ANAHEIM – Katella dominated early but had to hold on until the final play to defeat Western, 32-25, in a nonleague game at Western High on Thursday.
Katella (2-0) led, 17-3, at halftime and following a successful onside kick to open the second half, the Knights scored on a 4-yard run by Francisco Pineda for a 24-3 advantage.
Western (1-1) came back with a 22-8 run, including two touchdown throws from Anthony Munoz and a TD run by Max Perez, in the third quarter to trail by only seven points going into the fourth.
With its lead cut to 32-25, Katella killed the clock with an eight-minute drive but came up empty with a missed field goal.
Western got the ball back with five minutes remaining, but James Fatasia came up with an interception for Katella.
Western forced a three-and-out to get the ball back with 46 seconds remaining.
Western sprinted up the field and lined up at the Katella 17-yard line with one second remaining.
Munoz’s pass fell incomplete, but Katella was called for pass interference in the end zone.
Western got one last shot at the Knights’ 8, but the pass fell incomplete.
Katella controlled the early portions of the game on the ground, outrushing Western 111 yards to 39 in the first half.
Pineda led the Knights on the ground with 16 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. James Fraser was a force early with 17 carries for 79 yards and a touchdown, but only four of his carries came in the second half for 9 yards.
Munoz finished with 161 yards passing for Western. Aaron Bojorquez was his top target with five receptions for 108 yards.
