PHOTOS: Fourth quarter rally lifts Western into quarterfinal round of CIF playoffs

Western players charge out onto the field before Friday’s game with Buena. (Photos courtesy Victor Baltazar).

Western High School’s football team rallied in the fourth quarter to capture a 21-20 victory over Buena Friday night in the opening round of the CIF Division 7 playoffs at Western.

The Pioneers (9-1) move on to face Martin Luthern King High School of Riverside (6-5) Friday night at 7 in the quarterfinals at Western.

Western scored with a little more than six minutes left on a TD pass from Anthony Luna to Drew Faulkner to cut the Buena lead to 20-19.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Western players and supporters thank their fans on a cool night in Anaheim.

Desmin Joshway-Fairley kicks off for Western.

Western running back Malachi Alatorre is tackled.

Ayden Ware of Western tries to find a lane.

Western went for the two point conversion and converted when Luna found Faulkner again to put Western up 21-20.

“Qui’mare Shemwell came down with a huge interception to take away any chance for Buena coming back,” Western Coach Dan Davidson said Saturday. “Desmin Joshway Fairley and Drew Faulkner had interceptions on the night as well. 

“Diego Meza and Malachi Alatorre were instrumental in stopping the very productive run game of the Bulldogs.”

Meza had 12 tackles, four for a loss and Malachi had 10 tackles and three for a loss.

DeMarkus Lawson pressured the quarterback all night recording two sacks, three hurries, making him leave the pocket many times, Davidson added.

“Deijon Wheeler stuffed the middle all night forcing the run game wide to allow the speedy Pioneer defense to swarm to the ball,” Davidson said.