South Coast : El Toro Wins Another Title

El Toro High School clinched its second straight South Coast League championship, and fifth league title in the last six seasons, by defeating San Clemente, 29-14, Friday night in Mission Viejo Stadium.

The Chargers (5-1, 7-3) were led by Eric Brass, who gained 135 yards in 21 carries and scored 2 touchdowns. The El Toro defense forced five Triton turnovers.

“We were the underdogs in the preseason polls,” El Toro Coach Bob Johnson said. The Chargers’ 11 offensive starters from last season’s league champion graduated last June. “But our kids picked up to win the big games, and won in what I believe to be the toughest league in Orange County.

“We met five unbeaten teams this season and won four of those games.”

Forcing San Clemente to punt on its first possession, El Toro advanced the ball to the Triton 15 on a 30-yard punt return by Brass. Two plays later, receiver Chris Bailey caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from sophomore Bret Johnson.

Johnson completed 10 of 25 attempts for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns.

In other South Coast League action:

Dana Hills 32, Laguna Hills 0--In a game marred by 17 penalties, 4 interceptions, 2 safeties and a fumble, the Dolphins (4-2, 6-4) routed the winless Hawks (0-6, 0-10) in Spencer Stadium. Dana Hills finished in fourth place and must hope for a wild-card berth to make the Southern Conference playoffs.

In recording their second straight shutout, the Dolphins held the Hawks to a minus 10 yards rushing. Laguna Hills was able to cross midfield twice.

The Dolphin defense recorded two safeties and linebacker Tony Ferguson recovered a fumble in the Laguna Hills end zone for a touchdown.

Tailback Victor Vurpillat scored two touchdowns for Dana Hills on a pair of four-yard runs. Mike Singleton led the Dolphins with 71 yards rushing, including a 28-yard run that set up Vurpillat’s second touchdown in the second period.

Laguna Hills, which threw on all but two downs in the second half, had 81 yards passing. Matt Raith intercepted two Hawk passes for Dana Hills.

Keith Coley scored the Dolphins’ other touchdown on a three-yard run in the first quarter.