Prep Friday : THE BIG GAME
Westminster vs. El Toro
The records--Westminster 1-0-1, El Toro 2-0.
The site--Westminster High School.
Westminster update--The Lions, ranked No. 1 in the Orange County Sportswriters’ Assn. preseason poll, were stunned in a 14-14 tie with Valencia in their opener, but returned to form last week with a 32-0 victory over Irvine. Quarterback Mike Austin passed for 108 yards and tailback Corey Dickson gained 84 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Defensive end Jim Rubalcava and linebacker Todd Weaver helped the Lions limit Irvine to 30 yards rushing. “They looked like a college team the way they physically handled Irvine,” said Bob Johnson, El Toro coach. Westminster tackle Gary Lewellyn will miss his third game with a partially torn ligament in his knee, but is expected to return next week against Crespi.
El Toro update--The Chargers’ offense never looked better in rolling up a 31-0 halftime lead against Fountain Valley last week. Wide receiver Scott Miller has caught 14 passes for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. “There isn’t a defensive back in the county who can cover him one-on-one,” said Mike Milner, Fountain Valley coach. “He’s exceptionally good.” The Charger defense is led by two Scotts, All-American tackle Scott Spalding and linebacker Scott Ross. The key question is whether El Toro’s offensive line can handle Westminster’s eight-man front and protect quarterback Bret Johnson.
Consensus--Last year, Westminster manhandled El Toro, 26-7. The Lions rate a slight edge defensively, but Johnson’s passing should be the difference.
More to Read
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.