Quezada's big-play effort leads La Habra rout

LA HABRA - There were plenty of highlights in La Habra's 52-7 nonleague victory over Westminster on Friday at La Habra High. Most of them came from Highlanders running back Josh Quezada.

Quezada accumulated 291 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns: two on runs of 48 and 35 yards, two on receptions of 6 and 95 yards and one on an 88-yard kickoff return.The junior also made a key block that enabled Ronnie Hillman to break through a seam and into the clear for a 75-yard scoring run in the first quarter.

"I didn't get that many opportunities, but I made the most of the chances I did get," said Quezada, who had five carries and four receptions. "I can't get big headed … we have a big game next week and I have to be ready and step it up."

The Highlanders (3-0), ranked No.1 in the CIF SS Southwest Division, face their toughest game of the season next week, when they play host to Los Alamitos, ranked No. 8 in the PAC-5 Division and No. 5 in the OCVarsity.com poll.

"We are excited to play Los Al," La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta said. "We hope to hold up our end of the bargain."

The Highlanders last played Los Alamitos in 2005 and are 0-4 in the series, Mazzotta said. In the first half of Friday's game, the Highlanders never let Westminster (1-2) advance past its own 35-yard line, while holding Lions to 45 yards of total offense in the half.Louie Villa rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries to lead the Lions.

Contact the writer: lponsi@ocregister.com