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Western players head out onto the field for a game last season. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Western High School football players and coaches are preparing for a new challenge this year as the Pioneers get ready to compete in the Delta League.
Other teams in the league are Cypress, Capistrano Valley, Trabuco Hills, Tustin and El Modena. The league is the third toughest in the realignment of football leagues in Orange County. (The Trinity League remains the same).
“We are looking forward to the season ahead of us and moving into the new Delta League,” said Coach Dan Davidson. “Going to be very exciting to have so many wonderful competitive games ahead of us. Our players and coaches are excited to compete in such a highly competitive league.”
Western was 11-2 last year, winning the Orange League title with a 5-0 record. The Pioneers lost to Orange Vista 63-46 in the semifinals of the CIF Division 5 playoffs.
Top returning players for Western include offensive linemen Joel Perez (who has offers from New Mexico State and Portland State with many more interests), center Carlos Chavarria and tackle Brandon Solloy, Davidson said.
Also, running back Malachi Alatorre, who had 88 carries for 696 yards, five touchdowns, 18 catches for 274 yards and five receiving TDs; wide receiver Julian Amezcua, who had 55 catches for 847 yards and 11 touchdowns; defensive tackle James Flores, linebacker JoJo Klein, who had 65 tackles; and defensive back/slot receiver Jaden Reyes.
Top newcomers include quarterback Chance Thomas, who Davidson said has offers from Arizona State and Portland State; wide receivers Christian Rojas and Maxwell Young, running back Maikai Hayes, tight end and safety Mark Williams and linebacker Jacob Taylor.
2024 SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 23, at Los Alamitos
Friday, Aug. 30, at Los Alamitos
Friday, Sept. 6, at El Toro
Friday, Sept. 13, (H) vs. Banning
Friday, Sept. 27, (H) vs. Anaheim
League
Friday, Oct. 4, at Capistrano Valley
Thursday, Oct. 10, (H) vs. El Modena
Thursday, Oct. 17, at Cypress (Western)
Friday, Oct. 25, (H) vs. Tustin
Thursday, Oct. 31, (H) vs. Trabuco Hills
(Eighth in a series of summer football previews).
––Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
