Western’s revised football schedule includes games with Los Alamitos and Cypress

Western’s football team takes the field for a game last season. (Photo courtesy Victor Baltazar, For OC Sports Zone)

Western High School’s 2021 football schedule has been finalized and includes non-league games with Huntington Beach and Los Alamitos from the Sunset League and 2019 CIF finalist Cypress.

The schedule was revised after CIF officials announced that football would tentatively start in January 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I believe we really upgraded our schedule with some quality opponents,” said Western Coach Dan Davidson.

“Playing a quality Sunset team in Huntington Beach led by Coach (Brett) Brown will offer us a physical challenge. Playing CIF finalist Cypress, coming off a 13-1 season and the creativity of Coach (Rick) Feldman will force us to be mentally ready at all times.

“Artesia is absolutely loaded at so many key positions, including returning almost their entire line will force us to be disciplined against their zone read concepts. We added St. Anthony from Long Beach late after losing our week zero opponent. Their speed and physical play upfront will be a challenge for us defensively.”

Davidson said he believes the schedule will prepare his squad well for league competition.

“All five pre-season teams made the playoffs last year,” he said. “The highlight of our schedule is playing Los Alamitos with the leadership of Coach Ray Fenton and the rest of his outstanding coaching staff. They have Division 1 talent all over the field, but none bigger than quarterback Malachi Nelson, who is one of the top recruits in the nation.

“It is also our return to the Orange League after 10 years. Playing Anaheim in the Bell Game, Savanna and Magnolia both district schools, Santa Ana Valley and Century will bring fun and excitement to our campus.”

2021 WESTERN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Thursday, Jan. 7, Huntington Beach (H)

Friday, Jan. 15, Cypress (A, Handel)

Friday, Jan. 22, Los Alamitos (H)

Friday, Jan. 29, at Artesia

Friday, Feb. 5, at St. Anthony’s

Orange League games

Thursday, Feb. 11, at Magnolia

Friday, Feb. 19, Savanna (homecoming)

Saturday, Feb. 27, Anaheim (H)

Friday, March 5, Santa Ana Valley (H)

Friday, March 12, at Century

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