Western defense forces five turnovers, shuts out Savanna

ANAHEIM – Western rebounded from a less-than-stellar first half and used its defense to force five turnovers, including a pair of pick-sixes, to pull away from Savanna for a 41-0 victory Friday night in an Orange League game at Western High.

Pioneers coach Dan Davidson felt his players were pressing a bit in the first half and told them to relax.

“When we met at halftime, we said take a deep breath, slow down and let’s impose our will on them,” Davidson said.

Western (2-0, 2-0) did just that as it recorded three interceptions in the second half with two of those going for touchdowns. There was a 90-yard return by Anthony Barbosa and a 102-yard return by Drew Faulkner.

Faulkner’s return was extra special because he did it without one shoe.

“On the interception his shoe was in the end zone, so he went 102, 103 yards with one shoe,” Davidson said with a grin.

Drew Faulkner talks about his 102-yard INT return (which he did with one shoe). Great performance by the sophomore! @V1Drew @westernpioneer1 pic.twitter.com/vkGUZo03pG

— David Delgado (@DavidDelgado_OC) March 27, 2021

In just his second start at quarterback at the varsity level, Barbosa did some good things early, but he also struggled at times with his accuracy and reads. The senior completed 10 of 18 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns, both scores to sophomore receiver Faulkner.

Davidson appreciated the way Barbosa battled after he hurt his throwing hand early in the game, causing him to miss a few plays.

“He was in and out a couple of times and we had to do a Wildcat-type thing (offensively), it was tough,” Davidson said.

Western needed only three plays to score after an unsuccessful onside kick by the Rebels (1-1, 1-1) to start the contest.

Matthew Berenji talks about his 40-yard reception on the first play of the game and the defense forcing 5 turnovers in a 41-0 shutout over Savanna. @westernpioneer1 @kingberenji_ pic.twitter.com/XLjRKYfZ0r

— David Delgado (@DavidDelgado_OC) March 27, 2021

Barbosa threw a nicely timed ball to the speedy Matthew Berenji for a 40-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage. Israel Cruz then punched it in for a 3-yard touchdown run two plays later, his first of two rushing touchdowns.

After a punt and fumble on their first two possessions, the Savanna offense finally got going at the end of the first quarter as Brian Uriostegui broke a 31-yard run. Antonio Negron and Ivan Hernandez took turns getting large gains on the ground as Savanna threatened to tie the game.

Western’s defense appeared to get a stop on downs but a personal foul penalty gave the Rebels a fresh set of downs. Savanna went on to miss a 27-yard field goal attempt, keeping them off the scoreboard.

Western QB Anthony Barbosa made plays with his arm, legs and on defense to help the Pioneers beat Savanna 41-0 and improve to 2-0. @ocvarsity @westernpioneer1 @antgocrazzy pic.twitter.com/6ZHXHp8Gvo

— David Delgado (@DavidDelgado_OC) March 27, 2021

In the second quarter, the Pioneers offense struggled to get in rhythm as Barbosa missed his target on seven consecutive passes. Barbosa then found Faulkner on a quick screen pass that turned into a 30-yard TD pass, giving Western a 13-0 lead that it took into halftime.

Western was able to thwart every scoring chance Savanna had as Hernandez was picked off four times.

Davidson was proud of the group effort his defense showed.

“It wasn’t one guy, it was Oscar Howard with an interception, Drew Faulkner, Anthony Barbosa, and Matthew (Berenji) with an interception and a couple pass breakups,” Davidson said. “It becomes a whole group, and I thought the kids did it.”

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