Roundup : This Time Uni City <i> Loses </i> Shutout, 31-0

After not allowing a point in its first two games, University City came up on the other end of a shutout Friday afternoon.

Tenth-ranked University City (2-1) was beaten, 31-0, in a nonleague game against visiting Mira Mesa (2-2).

University City could not get its offense in gear against Mira Mesa’s defense. Three University City quarterbacks failed to complete a pass in 11 attempts and the Centurions had just 104 yards in total offense.

“We were a little flat coming in and the way they played made us look even flatter,” said University City Coach Steve Vukojevich.

Mira Mesa’s Essex Burton outgained University City by himself, rushing for 167 yards in 27 carries and 2 touchdowns.

Jagade Snyder’s seven-yard scoring run in the first quarter gave Mira Mesa a 7-0 lead. Quarterback Eddie Allison hit tight end Ray Rowe for a two-yard touchdown pass and Burton scored on a six-yard run to make it 21-0 at the half.

Burton ran 67 yards to score on Mira Mesa’s first play from scrimmage in the second half.

Burton appeared to be stopped by the University City defense, but squirted through a pile of players and raced down the right side line for the score.

“I got turned around but my tight end (Rowe) helped me out,” said Burton. “He kept me up and turned me around. Then it was all over--just me and the goal line.”

Richard Baird added a 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter for the final score.

Mira Mesa rushed for 228 yards and Allison completed 6-of-10 passes for 89 yards, including 4 to Rowe for 56 yards.