PREP FOOTBALL : Friday’s Highlights : Marinovich Gets the Record, but Mission Viejo Wins

Todd Marinovich, Capistrano Valley High School quarterback, was doing his best to hold back the tears.

Marinovich was trying to muster a smile as he posed with former Los Angeles Wilson quarterback Ron Cuccia for a group of photographers.

Marinovich became the national career high school passing leader Friday night, surpassing Cuccia’s total of 8,804 yards with a 221-yard performance, completing 9 of 20 passes, but Capistrano Valley lost to Mission Viejo, 28-21, at Capistrano Valley High in Mission Viejo.

Marinovich became the all-time prep passer when he completed a 14-yarder to tight end Randy Stark with 5:53 left. Marinovich has 8,835 yards in four years and can add to that total in the playoffs.

The Diablos, 9-1 overall and 5-0 in the South Coast League, won the league title by putting pressure on Marinovich in the second half to hold the Cougars scoreless. Marinovich passed for 176 yards in the first half, but the Diablos limited him to 45 yards in the second half. Marinovich threw four interceptions and was sacked four times in the game.

The loss marked the end of an emotionally charged week for Capistrano Valley. The Cougars (8-2, 3-2) lost their coach of eight years, Dick Enright, who resigned Friday in the wake of a suspension stemming from allegations of spying on El Toro High’s practice before a game against the Chargers two weeks ago. As a result, Capistrano Valley had to forfeit its 22-21 victory over El Toro.

Eric Patton, named interim coach by Principal Tom Anthony Thursday, broke down in tears during a team prayer after the loss.

The scene was a stark contrast from Mission Viejo’s side of the field, where fans raced onto the grounds to embrace their team.

“It was one of the biggest wins in the history of the school, especially when we were picked to finish third,” said Bill Crow, Mission Viejo coach. “All 11 guys on defense did a great job.”

The winning touchdown came after Mission Viejo defensive end Mike Spinello sacked Marinovich on successive plays. Eric Ekdahl scored on a four-yard run with 7:16 remaining for a 26-21 lead, and then quarterback Troy Kopp teamed with fullback Jay Williams on a two-point conversion pass.

Williams was the offensive star of the game for the Diablos. The senior gained 153 yards in 19 carries and stunned the Cougars early with a 57-yard touchdown run on his second carry.

About 10 spectators suffered minor injuries when a portable bleacher collapsed at about 9:55 p.m., the Orange County Fire and Sheriff’s departments reported.

Officials said there was no panic after the accident, and the game, which had attracted an overflow crowd of 7,500, continued.

Lt. Tom Conner, of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, said deputies at the scene reported that the back railing of the portable bleacher fell away, and the spectators fell to the ground.

None was seriously hurt, Conner said. “All the injuries were reported to be very minor,” he said.

Leo Schneider, a county Fire Department dispatcher, said paramedics at the scene reported that those injured suffered bruises, sprains and minor cuts. They were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, he said.

National High School Career Passing Leaders

Player, School Yards Years 1. Todd Marinovich, Capistrano Valley* 8,835 1984-87 2. Ron Cuccia, L.A. Wilson 8,804 1975-77 3. John White, Metairie (La.) Country Day 8,326 1982-84 4. Jeff George, Indianapolis Warren Central 8,126 1983-85 5. Ty Detmer, San Antonio (Tex.) Southwest 8,005 1983-86 6. Sol Graves, Monroe (La.) Quachita Christian 7,768 1983-85 7. Pat Haden, Bishop Amat 7,633 1968-70 8. Jim Plum, La Mesa (Calif.) Helix 6,913 1979-81 9. Joe Ferguson, Shreveport (La.) Woodlawn 6,726 1966-68 10. Dan McGwire, Claremont 6,559 1983-85

*--Currently competing