2006 Game Summaries
Poway blows lead, but finds way to win
By Joshua Sandoval
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
November 25, 2006
Midway through last night's 27-21 win over Torrey Pines, the Poway High football team found itself in a familiar situation.
The visiting Titans led 21-0 at the break, not much different from the 21-10 halftime lead Poway held over Torrey Pines when the teams met in Palomar League play.
The Falcons came back to win that first game 38-27 and after rallying for 21 points to tie the game last night looked as if they might do the same.
That was until Titans quarterback Donnie McKillop found Jared Relyea for a 40-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds to go to give the Titans a victory in the San Diego Section Division I quarterfinals.
“Coach called a great play,” said McKillop, who finished 16-for-20 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns. “Jared's the man right now.”
McKillop opened the game with a 22-yard TD pass to Relyea.
“The same thing happened the first time we played them,” said Relyea, who finished with three catches for 84 yards and the two scores. “This time we just persevered.”
Nick Ricciardulli made it 14-0 for Poway (7-5) when he scored on a 2-yard run, and Nick Milani put the Titans up 21-0 when he scored on a 4-yard run shortly before the half.
Torrey Pines (9-2) finally got on the board when Blake Vanderwiel found Colton Smith on an 8-yard pass.
Kyle Moffatt brought the Falcons within 21-14 with 8:56 to go in the game when he scored on a 6-yard run.
After Torrey Pines recovered a Poway fumble, the Falcons tied the game with 44 seconds to go when Vanderwiel scored from 11 yards out.
“Our kids just never quit,” said Poway coach Damian Gonzalez. “Donnie played his butt off and we have just put it together these past two weeks.”
Titans oust Falcons on late touchdown drive
By: RICHARDSON MIRON - For the North County Times
CARMEL VALLEY ----Donnie McKillop has had his heart broken several times this season. On Friday night, he did the breaking.
The Poway High quarterback completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Jared Relyea with 14 seconds remaining, giving the Titans a dramatic 27-21 victory over Torrey Pines in the CIF Division I quarterfinals.
After wasting a 21-0 halftime lead, the Titans (6-5) appeared to be in the midst of another come-from-ahead loss. But the North County's top-rated passer McKillop, who finished the night 19-of-23 for 226 yards and two touchdowns, led the Titans 75 yards on four plays in 35 seconds to score the game-winning touchdown.
"This was unbelievable; everyone just came through at the end," a jubilant McKillop said after the thrilling finish against the county's third-ranked Falcons (9-2). "Our offensive line blocked great and Jared came through with the catch. It was amazing."
While it was McKillop's arm that dazzled in the clutch, his Torrey Pines counterpart Blake Vanderwiel came through with his legs on the tying drive.
With a 21-14 lead, Poway's Dan Verne fumbled on the Falcons' 30-yard line, giving Torrey Pines the ball with 1:33 remaining. Vanderwiel, who finished the night with 169 yards rushing on 12 carries, marched the Falcons down the field and tied the game himself with an 11-yard burst.
When Poway got the ball back, there were 49 seconds remaining ---- more than enough for McKillop and his resilient teammates.
"Nobody hung their head tonight," Poway coach Damian Gonzalez said. "We just kept fighting. ... We never quit. I'm so proud."
Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke blamed himself for some poor clock management at the end of the first half, but admitted Poway's McKillop-to-Relyea combination was the difference in the end.
"I thought both the quarterbacks, Blake and Donnie, played like warriors tonight," Burke said. "But there's no question, Donnie played outstanding. ... Unfortunately they were able to make one more play at the end."
During the first half, the Titans jumped ahead with three straight touchdown drives. Relyea hauled in the first score on a 22-yard pass from McKillop. The Titans also received rushing scores from Nick Ricciardulli (2 yards) and Nick Milani (4 yards).
Torrey Pines received touchdown during the third quarter from Colton Smith (on an 8-yard pass from Vanderwiel) and a 6-yard run by Kyle Moffatt.
Mavericks knock off No. 1 Torrey Pines for Palomar title
By Glae Thien
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
November 10, 2006
La Costa Canyon quarterback Jose Mohler and his teammates were out to prove that Torrey Pines wasn't perfect.
The Mavericks did more than that. They knocked their neighboring rival from the unbeaten ranks and won the Palomar League championship at the same time.
With a start that was almost perfect, the sixth-ranked Mavericks scored 24 unanswered points by midway into the third quarter. They proceeded to claim a 29-13 road victory over the top-ranked Falcons last night in the regular-season finale.
“This is huge for us,” said Mohler, a junior who ran for two first-half touchdowns . “We practiced real hard. We've been playing crisp football the last few weeks. We feel no one can stop us right now. We're at the top of our game.”
The Mavericks (8-2, 5-0) prevailed for the just second time in 14 tries in the series. Their other victory was a 20-19 decision in 2004.
“We had beaten these guys one time,” Mohler said. “That was the only motivation that we needed.”
LCC held the Falcons (9-1, 4-1) to a season low in points. TP didn't reach Mavericks territory until a drive that concluded with an 8-yard touchdown run by Kyle Moffatt with 2:02 left in the third quarter.
The Mavs, who held a 14-0 halftime lead, capitalized on two fumble recoveries to add 10 points to their advantage in the third quarter.
First, Nick Witzmann recovered at the Falcons 29 to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Rusty Leedy. Just three plays into the next Falcons possession, Joel Bryan came up with another fumble recovery, leading to a 30-yard field goal by Brad Greenway with 5:17 left in the quarter.
Mohler completed 9-of-15 passes for 136 yards, and Leedy gained 75 yards on 10 carries to lead the LCC attack.
The Mavs opened the scoring on the first play of the second quarter on a 1-yard sneak by Mohler, culminating a 10-play, 63-yard drive. Two plays earlier, Stanley Paul set up the score by going for a 7-yard gain, putting the ball within inches of the goal line.
Mohler added a 4-yard TD for a 14-0 lead with 2:42 before halftime. The Mavericks took five plays to cover just 47 yards after a favorable exchange of punts.
On a third-and-6, Mohler completed an 11-yard pass to Kort Gibson to the Falcons 32. Mohler then connected on a 28-yard pass to Leedy preceding the score.
Zach Gholson partially blocked a punt that netted no yards, giving the Mavs the ball at the TP 34 with 1:13 left in the half, but the Mavs couldn't convert, missing on a 36-yard field goal attempt.
LCC had four tackles for losses in the first half with linebacker Sam Marasco figuring in two.
For the half, the Mavs limited Torrey Pines to 32 yards on offense, including just six on 12 carries. The Falcons were hurt by three fumbles for losses, two coming on back-to-back plays.
The Falcons were seeking to finish with their first unbeaten record since 1997, when they went 12-0-1 and shared the San Diego Section Division title with Vista.
By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer
CARMEL VALLEY ---- Stanley Paul stood in the middle of the crowd, his voice barely audible above the chants and screams. La Costa Canyon High students and football players ran formed a monstrous huddle on the field Thursday night, celebrating the Mavericks' 29-13 upset of top-ranked Torrey Pines.
The senior transfer who spent the three previous years at Santa Fe Christian, stood in awe of his surroundings, unsure of how to join the frenetic celebration.
"Never in my life have I experienced anything like this," Paul said. "This is crazy."
Don't worry, Stanley. You're not alone.
La Costa Canyon defeated the rival Falcons for just the second time in 14 meetings, the last of which came in 2004. Paul and his teammates are the first group to know the euphoria that comes with winning the Palomar League.
The Mavericks (8-2, 5-0) sealed the championship with an all-around dominant performance. They held Torrey Pines (9-1, 4-1), an offense that averaged 38.7 points per game previously, to two touchdowns.
The Mavericks recovered two fumbles, blocked a punt, recorded a safety and kept Falcons quarterback Blake Vanderwiel under constant pressure.
"The defense played an outstanding game," La Costa Canyon coach Darrin Brown said. "The coaches came up with a terrific game plan, and the players executed it nearly to perfection."
Nick Witzmann, Stedman Slaughter and Glenn Rauscher kept Torrey Pines' proficient rushing attack at bay, especially during the first half. The Mavericks held Torrey Pines to just two first downs while the offense scored 14 unanswered points in the first half. Mavericks quarterback Jose Mohler concluded two second-quarter drives with touchdown runs to establish the early lead.
Mohler, who seems to improve his reads with every week, was spot-on against Torrey Pines. He completed 9-of-15 passes for 132 yards.
Paul, however, was the catalyst. He caught three passes for 49 yards, had nine carries for 34 yards and was involved in a number of key pass break-ups from the quarterback position.
The Falcons didn't have an answer for anything La Costa Canyon did. Vanderwiel led the offense with 115 total yards and a rushing touchdown, but it wasn't enough to keep up with Mohler, Paul and the Mavericks.
"We simply got outplayed tonight," Falcons coach Ed Burke said. "They seemed to want it more, and that's my responsibility for not getting the guys ready to go."
The Mavericks have been outplaying all opponents in recent weeks. They have outscored the opposition 187-44 during the Palomar League season and seem to be peaking as they head into the postseason.
"We've been on quite a roll lately," Mohler said. "Over the last few weeks, we've been playing like champions."
Boxscore is here.
No slow start this time for Falcons
Kenyon Pettis creates a TD with heads-up play, while Zack Weir corrals a Westview runner
By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer
RANCHO PENASQUITOS ---- The Torrey Pines High football team is notorious for slow starts. The Falcons have a certain flair for the dramatic, using numerous comeback attempts to compensate for early miscues throughout the course of their unbeaten season.
Friday night, however, there were no hiccups out of the gate. The top-ranked Falcons started with a bang and cruised to a 49-0 Palomar League win over host Westview.
"We've had some problems getting started," Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke said. "But that certainly wasn't the case tonight. We've stressed the importance of playing four complete quarters of football and they obviously took that to heart."
The Falcons (9-0, 4-0) couldn't have started any better. The defense forced a three-and-out, turned it over to the offense and let Robby Collins go to work.
He scored a 38-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to give the Falcons a lead they would not relinquish.
"That set the tone for the entire game," Collins said. "I may have scored the touchdown, but it was a complete team effort in getting there. I received great blocking from the line, which pretty much escorted me right down the field."
The line must have been motivated to block for the ever-popular Collins, a shutdown cornerback who made his offensive debut against the Wolverines.
"It was great to see him in there," Burke said. "He had off-season knee surgery and we told him that he wasn't going to play offense until we were sure he was 100 percent. He's been chomping at the bit over the last few weeks, begging for a few carries. We gave him some tonight and he certainly took advantage of the opportunity."
Collins rushed six times for 123 yards and a touchdown, but also made quite an impact from the position he's been allowed to play all year. He made an interception at the end of the first half and also scored from 27 yards out after a fumble recovery.
Falcons fullback Pete Johnson, who transferred from Westviewduring the summer, had a solid outing in the return to his old school. He finished with nine carries for 60 yards and three touchdowns, the last of which sparked officials to start a running clock just moments into the second half.
Westview (0-9, 0-5) wasn't able to generate much offense against the Falcons, who recorded their first shutout of the season. Byron Tauti had 58 yards on 16 carries and quarterback Mike Hansen had 77 yards passing on six completions.
"There a good ---- no, they're a great football team," Westview coach Tim White said. "We were outmanned and outnumbered tonight. Torrey Pines brought their best and we just couldn't keep up. ...
"Believe me, nobody likes to lose. We're going to get back to work, prepare for Serra next week and try to end this season on a positive note."
Forget the recruiters, Burke has Falcons flying
By: TOM SHANAHAN - For the North County Times
CARMEL VALLEY ---- The final score and Torrey Pines High's rankings of No. 1 in San Diego and No. 16 in the state suggest John Lynch, John Allred, Chad Hutchinson and Brody Heffner all returned to their alma mater for homecoming Friday night.
The Falcons routed Mt. Carmel 45-17 rout in a Palomar League game.
But in the 2006 high school season, considered to be a down year throughout the CIF San Diego Section, Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke and his Falcons remain unbeaten at 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the Palomar League despite roster that features only one Division I-A recruit.
That would be Boston College-bound kicker Billy Bennett, who was kept busy. He had a 30-yard field goal, went 6-for-6 on extra-point kicks and booted seven of eight kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks, including two out of the back of end zone.
If anyone expected a down year in Division I-A talent at Torrey Pines was a chance level the playing field, they've sadly overlooked how finely tuned venerable Burke's teams are year in and year out.
"It's all Coach Burke and his staff," said Torrey Pines senior quarterback Blake Vanderwiel. "We have incredible coaches ---- I'd say the best coaches in the state. Coach Burke gives us so much knowledge and tradition. We run our routines, and everyone participates. He works hard on the weekend on game plans, and we know our opponents inside and out."
Everyone participates was the case against Mt. Carmel (4-4, 1-3) as Burke emptied his bench on both sides of the ball in the second half after the Falcons took a 38-0 lead into the locker room.
The Falcons opened the scoring on their second snap from scrimmage when Kyle Moffatt broke off a 36-yard touchdown run. Torrey Pines settled for a 30-yard field goal from Bennett on its second possession before scoring four straight touchdowns.
The scores came on runs of 33 yards by Vanderwiel, a 41-yard pass from Vanderwiel to Riley Myrick, a 27-yard run by Vanderwiel and a 5-yard run by Pete Johnson.
Mt. Carmel, which had only two first downs and 58 total years in the first half, scored in the second half on a 6-yard touchdown catch by Joe Branch, a 1-yard TD run by Keaton Hveem and on a 31-yard field goal by Brandon Burbach.
TORREY PINES 45, MT. CARMEL 17
Mt. Carmel 0 0 14 3 – 17
Torrey Pines 10 28 0 7 – 45
TP–Moffatt 45 run (Bennett kick)
TP–FG Bennett 30
TP–Vanderwiel 33 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Myrick 41 pass from Vanderwiel (Bennett kick)
TP–Vanderwiel 27 run (Bennett kick)
TP–P.Johnson 5 run (Bennett kick)
MC–Branch 6 pass from Chapatte (Richter kick)
MC–Hveem 1 run (Burbach kick)
TP–Evans 26 run (Bennett kick)
MC–FG Burbach 31
Despite penalties, Torrey perseveres
By Ricardo Martinez
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
October 21, 2006
For much of the fourth quarter against unranked Rancho Bernardo High last night, No. 1 Torrey Pines looked as though it might be upset in front of its home crowd.
But with the game on the line, their backs to the wall and the Broncos crossing into their territory with just over two minutes remaining, the Falcons forced Rancho Bernardo into its third turnover of the night and ran out the clock to win 24-18.
“We put ourselves in the hole with untimely penalties,” said Falcons head coach Ed Burke, whose team was penalized nine times for 71 yards.
“We had critical penalty after critical penalty and tonight we got away with it. We'd better make a lot of improvements from here on out because we have some tough teams ahead and we don't want to hurt our chances getting where we want to go.”
Blake Vanderwiel racked up 113 yards on 13 carries and scored both an offensive and defensive touchdown to lead Torrey Pines (7-0, 2-0), which finished with 249 yards rushing as a team, and 300 total yards. Kyle Moffatt added 51 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
The Broncos silenced the home crowd on the game's opening drive by marching 80 yards in 13 plays, capping the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by Gerald Kemp, who finished with 97 yards on 16 carries.
But despite running off 34 offensive plays to the Falcons' 19 in the first half, two fumbles on botched option pitches cost the Broncos dearly.
The first came deep in Rancho Bernardo's territory, which Vanderwiel scooped up at the 11-yard line and returned for Torrey's first touchdown.
“I didn't even see it coming,” Vanderwiel said. “I heard the crowd screaming, I felt the ball and just picked it up and kept going. That was the play that definitely got us going.”
The Broncos had four total turnovers.
Torrey's second TD came in the waning moments of the second quarter after the Broncos (2-4, 1-1) reached the Torrey Pines 36 with one minute remaining in the half and they lost the ball when Kemp attempted to pitch to Daniel Lemus.
It took the Falcons just 46 seconds to march 61 yards in four plays, tying the score when Vanderwiel scored from 8 yards out to give Torrey Pines a 14-7 lead at the half.
“I'm really proud of our team,” Broncos head coach Ron Hamamoto said.
“We take those turnovers away and we have a chance to beat (Torrey Pines).”
Rancho Bernardo's Richard Caldwell carried 21 times for 102 yards.
This time, Falcons hold off RB rally
By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer
SAN DIEGO---- Torrey Pines High coach Ed Burke looked exasperated and relieved. Rancho Bernardo's Ron Hamamoto was brimming with pride.
Their emotions weren't the least bit surprising considering what both veteran football coaches had just witnessed Friday night ---- another unforgettable chapter in the Falcons-Broncos rivalry.
Despite being pushed to the limit by a younger Rancho Bernardo squad, No. 1-ranked Torrey Pines remained undefeated as it managed to hold on for a wild 24-18 victory in a Palomar League game at Falcon Stadium.
"We have a long history with Rancho Bernardo coming back at this field," Burke said. "I had nightmares all week, and they were starting to come true. This is one of relief. We just gave them too many chances."
What Torrey Pines (7-0, 2-0) may have given, Torrey Pines also managed to take away.
Even though it chased Broncos runners Gerald Kemp (113 yards, two touchdowns) and Richard Caldwell (103 yards) all over the field --- and watched as a 17-point lead was cut to six over two drives ---- the Falcons' defense came up big late. Torrey Pines forced two of its four turnovers in the game's final 2 minutes, 3 seconds. Michael Nascenzi recovered a fumble in his team's territory, and Brian Brungger had an interception on the game's final play.
But afterward, Hamamoto was pleased with his team's effort, including an offense that gave Burke and his coaching staff headaches.
"We're a young team, and the turnovers obviously hurt us," said Hamamoto, whose team fell to 2-4, 1-1. "But take those turnovers away and we have a chance to beat them. We played our hearts out, made a couple of mistakes and it cost us. I'm so proud of this team."
Take away Blake Vanderwiel's performance, and Torrey Pines would have been saddled with its first loss.
The quarterback/linebacker made plays on both sides of the ball all evening and ended up with a pair of touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, Vanderwiel played a prominent role in slowing down Rancho Bernardo's outside running game. He also recovered a fumble and raced 11 yards for a game-tying TD in the second quarter.
And with the Broncos keying on Pete Johnson on offense, Vanderwiel was forced to play a larger role and did so willingly, making key runs all evening, including a 15-yard TD with 14 seconds left in the first half to make it 14-7.
Vanderwiel finished with 115 yards on 12 carries.
"You need to key on (Johnson)," Vanderwiel said of his teammate's 16 TDs. "Him having such good games opens it up for other guys and we have so many options."
TORREY PINES 24,
RANCHO BERNARDO 18
R . Bernardo 7 0 3 8 – 18
Torrey Pines 0 14 10 0 – 24
RB– Kemp 1 run (Seawright kick)
TP– Vanderwiel 11 return (Bennett kick)
TP– Vanderwiel 15 run (Bennett kick)
TP– Moffatt 15 run (Bennett kick)
TP– Bennett 43 FG
RB– Seawright 35 FG
RB– Kemp 15 run (Kemp run)
Torrey rallies for big win again
By Ricardo Martinez
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
October 14, 2006
POWAY – It appears the best high school football team in the county wears that crown because it also happens to be the best second-half team.
Just like a week ago, when it had to shrug off a slow first half and deliver an overwhelming knockout blow in the second, Torrey Pines showed once again why it's the No. 1 team in San Diego County as it scored four second-half touchdowns to upend No. 6 Poway 38-27 last night.
In the early going it appeared as though the Titans were in command and primed for an upset. They took a 20-7 lead with less than a minute left in the first half on two 1-yard touchdown runs by Donnie McKillop and field goals from 31 and 36 yards by Jared Relyea.
But in what Poway coach Damian Gonzalez would later call the turning point in the game, the Falcons marched 63 yards in six plays and cut the lead to 10 when Bill Bennett connected on a 32-yard field goal just before halftime.
“For them to march down and get a field goal like to end the half was big and I was really disappointed,” said Gonzalez, whose team fell to 4-2 overall.
To the dismay of the homecoming crowd, Torrey Pines (6-0, 1-0) got rolling in the second half after McKillop's pass was intercepted at Poway's 34-yard line by Robby Collins, who returned the ball to the 10. Three plays later Kyle Moffatt scored on a 6-yard run.
Starting quarterback Black Vanderwiel added a 16-yard touchdown run two possessions later to give Torrey a 24-20 lead.
McKillop answered back on the ensuing possession, leading Poway 80 yards in six plays and capping it with a perfect pass to John Hamilton from 19 yards out.
That was the exact moment Torrey fullback Pete Johnson took over, as he scored two consecutive touchdown runs, one from 4 yards and the other from 1 yard to set the final score.
Johnson finished with 21 carries for 90 yards. Vanderwiel was 8-for-21 for 112 yards, and added 70 yards on 13 carries.
“I looked younger when this game started,” said jubilant Falcons coach Ed Burke. “Poway came out and played tough, physical football and frankly they were taking it to us.
“They challenged us at halftime, and thank God we responded.”
McKillop finished 19-of-31 passing for 281 yards.
Torrey Pines rallies in second half to edge Poway
By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer
POWAY ---- The Torrey Pines High football team struggled mightily in the first half of Friday night's Palomar League contest with Poway.
In the second half, the Falcons proved why they're the CIF San Diego Section's top-ranked team.
Torrey Pines overcame a 10-point first-half deficit, slowed the Titans' passing attack and pulled out a dramatic 38-27 victory in the league opener for both teams.
"Torrey Pines showed why they're the best team in the county," Poway coach Damian Gonzalez said. "They played a great second half."
Falcons quarterback Blake Vanderwiel personified Torrey Pines' overall performance. He couldn't keep the team moving early on, but righted the ship in time to put up 106 yards through the air, 75 yards on the ground and help the Falcons score 28 second-half points.
Vanderweil put Torrey Pines (5-0, 1-0) on top for the first time since the opening score on a gritty 16-yard touchdown run on third-and-goal that included several broken tackles.
"I saw an opening, and I took off," Vanderwiel said.
"Somebody grabbed my jersey from behind, but I just kept my legs moving and somehow got into the end zone.
"That moment was undoubtedly the best feeling I've had this season."
Poway quarterback Donnie McKillop, who was 18-of-31 passing 297 yards and had 35 more on 16 carries, responded. The senior led his team on an 80-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard touchdown pass to John Hamilton with 7 minutes, 17 seconds remaining.
Vanderwiel again countered, leading a 66-yard drive that ended in a 4-yard touchdown run from Pete Johnson with 4:11 left.
But then, Torrey Pins linebacker Zach Weir broke the cycle.
He hit McKillop on Poway's next play from scrimmage and forced a fumble that was recovered by teammate Bryce Lewis.
"I honestly thought he was going to get the ball away," Weir said. "At that point, all I was trying to do was hit him hard, to make him think twice before he rolled out of the pocket. But I got to him, and hit him as hard as I could. The next thing I knew the ball was on the ground."
Johnson scored again, effectively ending the chance of a Poway (4-2, 0-1) comeback.
McKillop, however, Poway back down the field despite being 10 points down with only seconds to play. But he was tackled at the 1-yard line as time expired, ending his tireless comeback campaign.
"Donnie's just a battler," Gonzalez said. "He's one of the most-competitive people I've ever met, and he'll never quit until the last whistle blows. He gave an outstanding effort and left everything on the field."
TORREY PINES 38,
POWAY 27
Torrey Pines 7 3 7 21 – 38
Poway 3 17 0 7 – 27
TP–Vanderwiel 13 run (Bennett kick)
P–FG Relyea 31
P–McKillop 1 run (Relyea kick)
P–FG Relyea 36
P–McKillop 1 run (Relyea kick)
TP–FG Bennett 32
TP–Moffatt 6 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Vanerwiel 16 run (Bennett kick)
P–Hamilton 19 pass from McKillop (Relyea kick)
TP–Johnson 4 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Johnson 1 run (Bennett kick)
Three TDs by Torrey Pines fullback lead second-half surge
By Kevin Gemmell
COMMUNITY SPORTS WRITER
October 7, 2006
OCEANSIDE – Nice of Pete Johnson to show up for the second half.
The Torrey Pines fullback, after being held to just 15 rushing yards in the first half, exploded for 154 yards and three touchdowns in the second half of the Falcons' 37-14 nonleague win last night over host Oceanside at Simcox Field.
Billed as a slugfest between two of the San Diego Section's premier programs, the game lived up to the hype through 24 minutes of play. But the top-ranked Falcons (5-0) outdistanced the Division II champs in the second half on both sides of the ball.
“They were hitting really hard in the first half, but my line just took over in the second half,” said Johnson, who had touchdown runs of 1, 62 and 60 yards. “I would hit the hole and I could already see the end zone. We really came out and played with intensity.”
While Johnson starred on the ground, teammate Carter Norfleet was patrolling the skies on defense. The defensive back picked off Oceanside quarterback Steven Carroll three times, including twice in the end zone, as the Falcons defense stiffened against one of the section's top passing attacks.
“We saw some things at halftime and were able to make some adjustments on both sides of the ball,” said Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke. “They are a very physical defense so we were looking for ways to open it up.”
Despite holding a statistical edge in virtually every offensive category, the Pirates trailed 10-7 at halftime.
No. 3 Oceanside (3-2) jumped ahead midway through the first quarter when Carroll hooked up with Lamont Enyard on a 21-yard touchdown. A partially blocked punt gave Oceanside a first down at the Torrey 25 and two plays later Enyard was in the end zone.
The Falcons got their first touchdown before they even had a first down. After four three-and-out drives, quarterback Blake Vanderwiel connected with Kyle Moffatt for a 70-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Hit as he threw, Vanderwiel found Moffatt streaking down the sideline. Moffatt broke two tackles and stumbled in for the equalizing score.
Torrey Pines added three more points later in the quarter on a 37-yard Bill Bennett field goal.
Turnovers were the difference for Oceanside, which could have buried the Falcons early in the game. Leading 7-0 and driving deep in Torrey's red zone, Carroll was intercepted at the 2-yard line by Michael Nascenzi. It proved to be prophetic, as Carroll – who finished with 23 completions on 36 attempts for 295 yards and two touchdowns – had five interceptions.
Enyard finished the night with six catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
Torrey's Riley Myrick provided the last score late in the fourth quarter, scoring on a 16-yard run.
No. 1 Falcons come out strong after halftime, roll past No. 3 Pirates
By: TERRY MONAHAN - Staff Writer
OCEANSIDE ---- Pete Johnson knew at halftime something had to change.
The senior fullback for the No. 1-ranked Torrey Pines High football team wanted that change to be him.
Johnson, who rushed for just 14 yards on five carries in the first half, blistered the Oceanside defense for 158 yards and three touchdowns on 11 second-half carries to push the Falcons to a 37-14 nonleague win Friday at Simcox Field.
"Now it feels pretty good to be No. 1,'' said a smiling Johnson. "But I'm pretty bruised up.
"The second half was a reversal of roles. We became the big-play team and they had to try to grind it out. It's not what Oceanside does best.''
In the second half, Johnson had TD runs of 62, 1 and 60 yards as the Falcons outscored Oceanside by a 27-7 margin.
Torrey Pines (5-0), which got three interceptions from Carter Norfleet among the five it had in the game, thwarted No. 3 Oceanside (3-2) with turnovers twice in the end zone. Both of those times was by Norfleet.
"The first half was not much to talk about for me or the team,'' Johnson said. "I kept telling myself I had to get the ball and do something with it.''
Holding a 10-7 halftime lead, the Falcons went 65 yards on seven plays with Johnson going the final yard on the opening drive of the second half.
When Oceanside matched it with an eight-play drive covering 90 yards ---- helped out by a roughing the passer penalty on Torrey Pines ---- with quarterback Steven Carroll's second and final TD toss of the game to Lamont Enyart, who caught both scoring passes.
That cut Torrey Pines' lead to 17-14.
Two plays from scrimmage later, Johnson ran 62 yards to mark the beginning of the end for Oceanside with 4:59 left in the third quarter.
"It didn't look good in the first half,'' said Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke. "We came back. Obviously, we have a big-play back in Johnson.
"Every guy on this team contributed, especially guys like Carter Norfleet with three interceptions.
"That is one of the toughest football teams around that we just beat.''
Carroll completed 23-of-46 passes for 303 yards and two TDs, but he also threw five interceptions.
Torrey Pines came up with a fumble recovery as well as those interceptions.
The Falcons tied the game 7-7 on a 70-yard Blake Vanderwiel pass to running back Kyle Moffat out of the backfield with 8:26 left before halftime.
It was one of two first-half completions for Vanderwiel.
Vanderwiel finished 5-for-13 for 146 yards, one TD and an interception.
After a 44-yard field goal by Oceanside fell short, the Falcons marched to the Pirates' 19 before settling for a 37-yard field goal by Bill Bennett with 2:37 left before intermission.
TORREY PINES 37, OCEANSIDE 14
Torrey Pines 0 10 14 13 – 37
Oceanside 7 0 7 0 – 14
O–Enyard 21 pass from Carroll (Ocampo kick)
TP–Moffatt 70 pass from Vanderwiel (Bennett kick)
TP–FG Bennett 37
TP–Johnson 1 run (Bennett kick)
O–Enyard 22 pass from Carroll (Ocampo kick)
TP–Johnson 62 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Johnson 60 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Myrick 16 run (kick failed)
Falcons stay on ground en route to a 4-0 record
By Kevin Gemmell
UNION-TRIBUNE COMMUNITY SPORTS WRITER
September 23, 2006
ESCONDIDO – More than 42 years of combined head coaching experience and almost 400 combined wins squared off last night as the San Diego Section's two most senior coaches matched wits at San Pasqual High.
Both Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke and San Pasqual's Mike Dolan are in their 21st season with their respective schools. But for all the experience and wisdom that was roaming the sidelines, it was a contest ultimately decided before the San Pasqual dance team took the field for the halftime show.
No. 3 Torrey Pines rolled through the host team 42-15 behind the three-headed rushing attack of Pete Johnson, Kyle Moffatt and Riley Myrick. The trio combined for 251 total rushing yards and four touchdowns to move the Falcons to 4-0 on the season. San Pasqual falls to 0-3 for the first time since 1987.
“Our O-line did a great job opening up the holes,” said Johnson, who has 11 touchdowns in four games. “Riley has really been stepping it up and we were able to put it all together. We studied them all week and the coaches really prepared us well.”
Torrey Pines made a statement on its opening drive by moving 80 yards in nine plays. Myrick broke five tackles and somehow kept his balance to scamper 43 yards for the game's first points.
San Pasqual answered with a big play of its own in the first. After Torrey Pines' Bill Bennett missed a 39-yard field goal, San Pasqual quarterback Daniel Minamide went 80 yards on the option keeper to even the score.
But that was as close as the Eagles would get as Torrey poured on three touchdowns in the second quarter. In fact, the only noise the San Pasqual crowd made is when the P.A. announcer updated the crowd on the no-hit bid by Padres pitcher Chris Young. Johnson scored from 14 and 6 yards out and quarterback Blake Vanderwiel soft-tossed a 16-yard touchdown to Michael Disraeli in the back corner of the end zone.
Johnson kept it going on the Falcons' first drive of the second half, breaking off a 41-yard touchdown, putting Torrey ahead 35-7. Casey Allred also added a 63-yard TD run midway through the fourth.
With No. 1 Oceanside and No. 2 St. Augustine both losing Thursday night, Torrey Pines likely will take over the No. 1 spot in the section when the new polls are announced Tuesday.
“We've always had a great rivalry with them when we used to be in the same league,” Dolan said. “We would always get excited when we had a chance to coach against an Ed Burke team.”
TORREY PINES 42,
SAN PASQUAL 15
Torrey Pines 7 21 7 7 – 42
San Pasqual 7 0 0 8 – 15
TP–Myrick 43 run (Bennett kick)
SP–Minamide 80 run (Albini kick)
TP–Disraeli 16 pass from Vanderwiel (Bennett kick)
TP–Johnson 6 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Johnson 14 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Johnson 41 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Allred 63run (Bennett kick)
SP–Bonahoom 1 run (Albini run)
Here is the NC Times article--
Torrey Pines has no trouble with beleaguered San Pasqual
By: JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer
ESCONDIDO ---- With more than a dozen players out with injuries Friday night, San Pasqual High football coach Mike Dolan said, "I was looking for backups for my backups. And Torrey Pines isn't a good team to play with backups."
San Pasqual's backups couldn't keep up with No. 3-ranked Torrey Pines in the nonleague contest as the Falcons ran by the Eagles 42-15 to remain unbeaten.
Torrey Pines rolled up 520 yards total offense, rushing 50 times for 440 yards. Plus, the Falcons had 24 first downs.
The Falcons had 19 plays ---- 14 run of those runs ---- of 10 yards or more.
Torrey Pines used nine ballcarriers and seven of them had runs of 13 yards or more.
Pete Johnson led the way for Torrey Pines, rushing 19 times for 141 yards, including touchdown runs of 5, 14 and 41 yards.
"The offensive line opened some big holes and we just ran through them," Johnson said. "We studied San Pasqual all week. We were really well prepared.
"And we have a great running attack with three good backs."
Riley Myrick rushed seven times for 75 yards and opened the scoring with a 43-yard TD run on the first series of the game. Myrick broke at least six tackles on that run.
Kyle Moffatt carried seven times for 47 yards.
Falcons quarterback Blake Vanderwiel had 58 yards rushing and passed for 80 more, including as 13-yard scoring toss to Michael Disraeli.
Backup quarterback Casey Allred had five carries for 85 yards, including a 63-yard TD run.
"We sure didn't do much to slow them down," San Pasqual's Dolan said after his team slipped to 0-3. "It's no excuse because we didn't tackle very well, but we're battered and bruised.
"It's just one of those years."
After Torrey Pines jumped out to the early lead, San Pasqual quarterback Daniel Minamide went 80 yards late in the first quarter to get the Eagles even.
It was all Torrey Pines after that as San Pasqual didn't score again until 19 seconds remaining in the game when Bryan Bonahoom bulled in from a yard out.
"Obviously, I'm pleased to come to this stadium and get a win," said Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke. "It was a hard-hitting game. San Pasqual comes to play.
"But we have a lot of quick kids who play hard on every snap. I really like to think it has been a team effort that has carried us to 4-0."
Johnson, Sergott boost Falcons
By Joshua Sandoval
SPECIAL TO THE UNION-TRIBUNE
September 16, 2006
The Torrey Pines football team has one player on each side of the ball whom they consider their go-to guys late in the game. Neither is particularly flashy, but each comes through when it matters most.
On offense it is running back Pete Johnson, who last night scored Torrey Pines' final three touchdowns.
On defense it is end Michael Sergott, who came up with three sacks, one of which caused a fumble, eventually leading to a Johnson touchdown.
Both guys led the charge for the No. 4 ranked Falcons in their 34-21 home victory over No. 7-ranked Mira Mesa.
“We showed tonight that we are the powerhouse of North County,” said Johnson, who gained 109 yards on 15 carries. “I owe it all to the big guys; the O-line created some big holes for me late in the game.”
All of Johnson's scores came in the second half. His first touchdown tied the game 21-21 with 1:46 to go in the third quarter, when he scored from 4 yards out.
On the ensuing drive for Mira Mesa, Kevin O'Mary was hit from behind by Sergott, which caused the ball to come loose. Tom Cutting recovered it at the Mira Mesa 2. Two plays later the Falcons grabbed a 27-21 lead when Johnson scored from 1 yard out with 11:54 to go in the fourth quarter.
Johnson finished the game with a 10-yard run to account for the final score.
“In this offense, Johnson is the go-to guy,” said Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke. “But I've got to tell you, we thought this game was going to be won in the trenches and it was.”
Mira Mesa (1-2) was impressive on offense in the first half. The first time the Marauders touched the ball, O'Mary found Josh Ollison going across the middle to the left side, which Ollison promptly took down the sideline for 82 yards with 9:21 to go in the first quarter.
O'Mary's first four completions were to Ollison for 121 yards. O'Mary completed 14-of-23 passes for 275 yards and three TDs. Ollison finished with seven catches for 146 yards and three touchdowns.
The defensive line for Torrey Pines (3-0) began to put more pressure on O'Mary, which proved to be the difference.
“They were a lot bigger than us,” said Sergott. “But we used our speed to get around them and get after O'Mary.”
TORREY PINES 34, MIRA MESA 21
Mira Mesa 7 7 7 0 – 21
Torrey Pines 0 14 7 13 – 34
M–Ollison 82 pass from O'Mary (Turner kick)
T–Moffatt 5 run (Bennett kick)
T–Moffatt 16 run (Bennett kick)
M–Ollison 5 pass from O'Mary (Turner kick)
M–Ollison 6 pass from O'Mary (Turner kick)
T–Johnson 4 run (Bennett kick)
T–Johnson 1 run (kick failed)
T–Johnson 10 run (Bennett kick)
Falcons prove potency, both home and far away
Returning to S.D., Moffatt paces rout of Trojans
By Nicole Vargas
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 9, 2006
Following an easy victory to open the season last week at Levittown, Pa., Torrey Pines senior Kyle Moffatt admitted he was eager to see what the Falcons football team could accomplish once they returned home to San Diego.
“We had no idea what we were facing, no idea what we were capable of,” Moffatt said. “We wanted to come out here and see what we could do.”
Paced by Moffatt, the No. 3 Falcons proved they are ready to take on the best of the San Diego Section with a convincing 38-6 victory over Castle Park at Torrey Pines last night.
“We just got outmuscled tonight,” said Castle Park coach Paul Van Nostrand. “We turned the ball over too much (four times), put our defense in horrible field position and got outhit. When you turn over the ball that much, you're not going to beat (the Falcons).”
With two touchdowns and two interceptions, Moffatt was responsible for plenty, pacing a balanced effort that ended with the Falcons' fourth win over the Trojans in as many years.
“He plays such an important position on both sides of the ball,” said Torrey Pines head coach Ed Burke of Moffatt, who plays both running back and linebacker. “For him to do that is really a physical demand on him. It's a godsend for us.”
On offense, Moffatt was one of five different Falcons to put points on the scoreboard. The 5-foot-9, 195-pounder rushed for 65 yards on 11 carries, a total bettered only by fellow running back Pete Johnson, who had 100 yards on 13 carries with a touchdown of his own.
“(Johnson's) a very tough runner inside, and because of (that), he helps set up the other guys,” Burke said.
Castle Park avoided a shutout with an early second-half touchdown drive, ignited by a 48-yard kickoff return by Raymond Blossom. Seven plays later, Joey Valencia scored on a 1-yard run to close the deficit to 24-6, before the Trojans collected an interception of their own by David McGuire.
The Falcons rebounded with a calculated 11-play, 78-yard drive over 4:39 that ended with Moffatt's second score, this one from 10 yards out, before Casey Allred added a long 41-yard score.
“This was a hard-hitting game,” Burke said. “I'm just proud of the way the guys played. They answered the challenge.”
It followed a first half that belonged to Torrey Pines, which saw a stifling defensive effort complemented by plenty of early points.
After scoring their opening touchdown on an 11-yard run by Moffatt, the Falcons ended Castle Park's opening drive with an interception by Moffatt.
Moffatt's 21-yard return into the end zone was called back due to a penalty, but quarterback Blake Vanderwiel made it up on the next play with a 16-yard scoring pass to Riley Myrick that increased Torrey Pines' lead to 14-0.
The Falcons' defense only strengthened in the second frame, bolstered by the punting of Boston College recruit Bill Bennett and a second interception by Moffatt.
The offense also increased the team's lead late in the quarter, when Johnson punched in a final score from inches out on fourth-and-goal with just nine seconds remaining.
By: North County Times
CARMEL VALLEY ---- Torrey Pines High jumped to a 24-0 halftime lead and never looked back, cruising to a 38-6 nonleague football victory over visiting Castle Park on Friday night.
Pete Johnson led the Falcons (2-0) with 100 yards rushing on 15 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown with one second remaining in the first half to break the backs of the Trojans (1-1).
Torrey Pines quarterback Blake Vanderweil completed 2-of-9 passes, but one of the completions was a first-quarter touchdown strike of 16 yards to Riley Myrick.
Kyle Moffatt added rushing touchdowns of 11 and 9 yards for the Falcons.
TORREY PINES 38, CASTLE PARK 6
Castle Park 0 0 6 0 – 6
Torrey Pines 14 10 7 7 – 38
TP–Moffatt 11 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Myrick 16 pass from Vanderweil (Bennett kick)
TP–FG Bennett 28
TP–Johnson 1 run (Bennett kick)
CP–Valencia 1 run (pass failed)
TP–Moffatt 10 run (Bennett kick)
TP–Allred 41 run (Bennett kick)
Falcons 41, Harry S Truman Tigers 16
New fullback leads Torrey Pines to romp
By: North County Times
LEVITTOWN, Pa. ---- Pete Johnson made quite an impression in his Torrey Pines High football debut.
The Falcons fullback scored four touchdowns in a 41-16 road win over Harry S. Truman of Levittown, Pa. Torrey Pines coach Ed Burke said that Johnson played a solid game throughout and moved the ball with relative ease.
The Falcons played well despite adverse conditions. The game, which was moved up from its originally scheduled time to avoid incoming tropical storm Ernesto, was nonetheless played in heavy wind and rain. The Falcons were still able to move the ball at will and held a 21-0 halftime lead after a scoreless first quarter. Tom Cutting caught a touchdown pass and Casey Allred ran in for another score.
Burke was equally pleased with his defense and singled out linebacker Nic Renshaw for his efforts.
"I was really impressed with what we were able to do defensively," Burke said.
"But the entire team showed tremendous focus despite the fact that our minds were on everything but football during the week. We were out seeing historical sites and taking educational trips for most of the week. But when it came time for kickoff, our guys were ready to play."
Here's the article from the Philly paper:
Tigers not California dreaming
By: TOM WARING (Sat, Sep/02/2006)
LEVITTOWN — The Torrey Pines Falcons had a full week, touring the battle fields at Gettysburg and the sites in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
The San Diego-area athletes, though, came east to win a football game.
Mission accomplished.
Pete Johnson rushed for 130 yards and four touchdowns on Friday afternoon to lead the Falcons to a season-opening 41-16 victory over Harry S Truman at rainy Henry C. Morgan Stadium.
“It was a good beginning,” said coach Ed Burke.
It was not a good beginning for the Tigers, who started last season 4-0 before losing seven games in a row.
Truman hurt itself with three fumbles and some key penalties.
“We made a lot of mental mistakes,” said linebacker-running back Eric Crumbock.
Before the smashing victory, Burke said the highlight of the trip for his players came on Thursday, when they ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, like Rocky Balboa.
Maybe the Falcons needed some time to get their legs, as the first quarter ended scoreless. But, it was 21-0 by halftime.
The Tigers defense had its moments, forcing four turnovers, including interceptions by Colvin Forde and C.J. Schaefer. But, the Falcons mixed the run and the pass to stay ahead in the second half.
Truman's offensive highlights were few, though quarterback Kyree Ransome ran for touchdowns of 80 and 2 yards. Nicole Katz, the only female football player in the area, kicked an extra point and a 20-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
The Tigers couldn't sustain many drives because the Torrey Pines defenders were in the backfield all day. Even on Ransome's long TD run, he had to shake off tackles five yards behind the line of scrimmage.
“They were coming so hard,” said Truman coach Van Smith. “We were pretty much at their mercy.”
Now, Truman turns its attention to Council Rock-North. The Indians visit on Friday.
“We can bounce back. We'll be fine,” Crumbock said. “Council Rock-North is pretty good, but we'll bring it because we want to make up for this game.”
Tom Waring can be reached at 215-949-4215 or twaring@phillyBurbs.com.
Notes: Katz wasn't the only kicking star. Bill Bennett, of Torrey Pines, boomed his kickoffs through the end zone. The Boston College recruit made five-of-six extra point attempts, but missed a 35-yard field goal at the end of the first half...The Falcons will take a bus tour of New York today before flying home.
TORREY PINES (CALIF.) 41, HARRY S TRUMAN 16
Player of the game: Torrey Pines running back Pete Johnson carried 17 times for 130 yards and four touchdowns.
Play of the game: On the first play of the second half, Truman quarterback Kyree Ransome broke a tackle in the backfield and raced 80 yards for a touchdown.
Stat of the game: Torrey Pines threw two interceptions and fumbled seven times (losing two).
July 25, 2006: The Falcons just completed competing in the North County Passing Tournament, and did very well. Despite being depleted due to injuries, they went 5-2, and won the "Coastal Bracket" Championship. On Day 2, they went 4-0 in the searing heat of El Camino High School, including some last minute heroics. Congrats, team on a job well done!!!
This dispatch just in from our on-site correspondent--
July 7, 2006, Visalia, CA:
The Varsity completed a stellar day today in Visalia at the Redwood Passing League Tournament, going 3-0. This is the Falcons' 23rd straight year in the tournament, and they are the defending champs. The Falcons capped the day by defeating Farmersville 24 to 0.
There are 18 teams competing, and only five had a perfect record today. The competition will be much stiffer tomorrow. Check back here for the latest info.
UPDATE:
July 8, 2006, Visalia, CA:
The team played 4 tough games on Saturday, and finished the Tournament with an impressive 6 and 1 record in the heat of Visalia. Torrey Pines and one other team had the best record of all 18 teams entered in the tournament over the last two days. They did not come away with the championship this year, but they gained a lot of experience that will pay off in this coming season. Coach Burke was very happy with his team's performance in every game (except the one they lost 12 to 9).
Congrats, Falcons on a great job!
SDSU Passing Tournament Recap:
After starting at 3-0 on Friday, the team finished strong on Saturday, finishing with a two day record of 5 and 2. The Falcons were one of the only teams left playing at the end of the day. There were fifty teams from all over California, Arizona and the desert. The weekend featured impressive wins over teams from Arizona and LA and two losses that came down to the very end of the game. Coach Burke was very proud of how hard his team played and very optimistic for the future, considering the injured players who didn’t play this weekend.
Thank to all of the parents and fans who showed up to support the team this weekend. It was very exciting to watch.
--Andy Vanderwiel