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Associate mug of Kenny Connolly, Anaheim reporter.

Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS /  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM After shooting itself in the foot with three first half turnovers, Katella’s offense cleaned up its act and scored 34 unanswered points after the break, allowing the Knights to grab a 44-6 win over Loara in a nonleague game Thursday night at Glover Stadium.

Senior quarterback Ricardo Armenta led Katella’s rushing attack with 138 yards on 17 carries.

Running back Jaymeson Mowdy added 97 yards on 20 totes, four of which ended in the scores.

“I’m really proud of how we adjusted at the half,” said Knights coach Fred DiPalma. “I just told them the idea is to keep the ball away from (Loara), not give it away to them. It was frustrating, but at the same time I felt like something good was coming.”

Two interceptions and a lost fumble prevented the Knights (2-1) from extending a 10-0 lead it had built in the first quarter.

Armenta’s second pick of the first half resulted in Loara’s only points of the game as defensive back Edson Velazquez returned the interception 43 yards for a touchdown, making the score 10-6 at the break.

Katella’s ground game gashed the Saxons defense in the second half for five touchdown runs on its seven possessions. The Knights accumulated 273 yards rushing on the night, while limiting Loara (0-4) to 42 yards.

The Saxons finished with just 64 yards of total offense and failed to convert one third down attempt on the evening (0 for 12).

Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com