PHOTOS: Turnovers plague Western in 54-27 quarterfinal loss to Colony

Western quarterback Anthony Luna is pressured by Colony’s defense Friday night. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Western’s football team fell behind early and could never recover, losing to Colony 54-27 Friday night in the quarterfinal round of the CIF Division 9 playoffs at Western.

“We had a hard time dealing with their size and speed up front,” said Western Coach Dan Davidson in a text Friday night. “We couldn’t sustain an offensive identity. Colony was the better team tonight.”

Colony’s defense recorded two pick sixes to take a 24-0 lead. Titans quarterback A.J. Jones helped Colony to a fast start with two rushing touchdowns runs. Running backs Bryce Johnson, and Jamari Johnson picked up key yardage for the visitors.

The Pioneers offense got off to a sluggish start, and turned the ball over on several occasions to give Titans short field to work with. Colony scored on two Pick-Six returns and took a 31-7 lead into halftime. Lee Quan Parker had an interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter of the contest.

Western’s sophomore quarterback Anthony Luna had a tough night, as Colony’s defense forced him to make mistakes.

The Pioneers (8-4) got on the scoreboard when Luna connected with wide receiver Tywon Mitchell and the Pioneers offense, victimized by turnovers in the first half, was able to put some points on the scoreboard in second half, but couldn’t overcome the insurmountable deficit from the first stanza.

Colony (6-6) moves on the semifinals next week vs. Ventura.

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

Western players charge out onto the field for Friday's game.

Western players, led by the captains, head out to face Colony.

Western captains meet for the coin toss.

Colony captains head out for the coin toss.

Drew Faulkner of Western gains yards on a run during the second quarter.

Western's offense gets ready for a play during the second quarter of Friday night's Division 9 matchup.

Colony's wide receiver Donovan English makes a play during the first half of Friday's CIF-SS playoff game.

Western Coach Dan Davidson talks with quarterback Anthony Luna during a timeout.

Bryce Strong of Colony gains yards against Western.

Western fans support the Pioneers during Friday's CIF-SS second round playoff game.

Jamari Johnson of Colony gains yards as Western's Joshua Faulkner pursues.

Colony tackles Western quarterback Anthony Luna short of the goal line on fourth down.

Western cheerleaders support their team.

Oscar Howard of Western deals with a tough first half for the Pioneers.

Western's Michael Sutton-Shy gets corralled by Colony's special teams during a kickoff return.

Colony's quarterback A.J. Jones takes off for a long run. Jones would finish the night with a couple rushing touchdowns for the Titans.

—Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone