Welch Leads Way as Western Runs Over Cypress, 30-0

Western High School, on the strength of a balanced ground attack and behind a strong defense, scored three times in the second quarter and shut out Cypress, 30-0, Friday at Handel Stadium in Anaheim.

The Pioneers (1-1) gained 306 yards and were led by running back Roy Welch, who rushed for 82 yards in 8 carries, including a 48-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter. Western also got touchdown runs from William Lusk for 23 yards and Mahe Liavaa for 3.

Held to a single first down and negative yardage in the first half, Cypress (0-2) drove to the Pioneer four-yard line midway through the third quarter after Ray Ibarra blocked a Western punt. The Centurions failed to score, however.

Western quarterback Mike Huy completed 8 of 14 passes for 94 yards including a 13-yard touchdown pass to Toby Howell in the third quarter.

Western’s defense, which held Cypress to under 10 net yards, also recovered two fumbles and intercepted Centurion quarterback Pete Dopulos once. The Pioneers recorded six sacks for losses of 32 yards.

Dopulos completed 5 of 15 passes, all to receiver Mike Gee, for 85 yards.

Western’s Pace Jiminez connected on a 27-yard second-quarter field goal for the Pioneer’s other score.