USD Hopes to Roll On With Nottoli in Lineup

Before the season, University of San Diego football Coach Brian Fogarty named tight end David Nottoli as the one player he could least afford to lose to injury. When he said it, Nottoli had undergone arthroscopic knee surgery a week before and was expected to be out for at least 4 weeks.

After USD started 1-2 with an offense struggling to establish itself, Nottoli returned to the lineup last week against Pomona-Pitzer. The Toreros had their best offensive game of the season, outgaining the Sagehens 358 yards to 151 on the way to a 23-7 victory.

Nottoli caught 2 of Doug Piper’s 7 completions for 47 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown pass. As a blocker, he helped the running game to a season-high 229 yards.

“It was nice to have David back in there,” Fogarty said. “It was really nice to see a receiver catch the ball over the middle.”

The Toreros hope to keep the momentum going when they travel to Whittier College for a 7:30 p.m. game.

The Poets (2-2) are led by quarterback Mike Haney, who has completed 54 of 86 passes for 672 yards, 6 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. But Haney is listed as questionable after spraining his ankle in last week’s game. All-purpose back Gaylon Sweet has caught 20 passes for 199 yards and rushed for 251 yards on 73 carries.

The defense is anchored by Doi Johnson (5-feet 9-inches, 270 pounds). “He’s a load,” Fogarty said. “They put him in a place and expect him to defend that area. And he does.”