3-A Playoffs : Mount Miguel Tries to Avenge ’86 Loss

The only difference between this year’s and last year’s San Diego Section football playoff between Mount Miguel High School and Fallbrook appears to be the weather.

Last year, Fallbrook led, 21-0, before holding on for a 34-27 semifinal victory in the mud. But the weather should be clear for tonight’s quarterfinal game at Mount Miguel High School.

“I look for the same thing,” said Tom Pack, Fallbrook coach. “They are like a carbon copy of last year’s team.”

Said Mount Miguel Coach Gary Cooper: “I think they still throw the ball.”

Once again, Fallbrook has the most potent passing attack in San Diego County.

Mike Turiace is the top-rated quarterback in the county with an average of 257 yards per game. He has completed 172 of 292 passes for 2,315 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Turiace’s favorite receiver has been Darrow Nelson, with 69 catches for 954 yards and 8 touchdowns. Fallbrook’s offense is averaging 28 points per game.

Mount Miguel’s offense has been sporadic, although it is averaging 25 points a game.

“One week we look like we have one of the best offenses in the county and the next week we struggle for points, we struggle for first downs,” Cooper said.

Mount Miguel’s primary weapon is the run. Anthony Williams rushed for 930 yards in 152 carries and scored 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Anthony Rivera is very mobile and likes to run.

“We have to stop their dive play and contain the quarterback,” Pack said.

Although both teams can score points, both coaches agree that the deciding factor probably will come down to defense--as in Mount Miguel’s defense vs. Fallbrook’s offensive line.

Fallbrook will be trying to keep Mount Miguel’s quick defense out of the backfield long enough for Turiace to throw.