High Schools : University City, USDHS to Decide City Western Champion Tonight

As a sophomore 2 years ago, University City tailback Darnes Taylor was put into a game against University of San Diego High School late in the fourth quarter, replacing the injured starting tailback. University City trailed, 25-20.

On a third-and-goal play, Taylor made a mental error and the Centurions were kept out of the end zone. They had to settle for a field goal and eventually lost, 25-23.

Taylor says that game has run through his mind a lot this week, almost as many times as he has run through defensive lines this season. Tonight, when University City (6-2, 4-0) plays USDHS (7-2, 3-1) at 7 p.m. at Madison High to decide the City Western League title, Taylor--who has rushed 173 times for 1,149 yards--wants to replace that memory and show people his team belongs in first.

“We’re not supposed to be here,” he said. “So we have a lot to prove within ourselves and to everybody else.”

University City hasn’t won this game in 3 years. The Dons blocked a punt late in the fourth quarter last year to win, 14-7. But past success doesn’t mean much to USDHS Coach Ron Hamamoto, who said his team has been slowed by injuries.

“I really don’t have a whole lot of confidence,” he said. “We’re just going to buckle up and play.”

USDHS will count on quarterback Anthony Massa, one of the county’s top passers with 1,866 yards. University City will count on Taylor.

The game is the only one in the county with a league championship at stake on this final weekend of the regular season. But there are still a number of postseason berths to be decided--there will be 12 teams each in the 2-A and 3-A playoffs.

Avocado League (2-A)--Rancho Buena Vista, ranked No. 1 in the county, has clinched the championship. San Pasqual will clinch the No. 2 spot and automatic playoff berth if it can upset Rancho Buena Vista Friday night. If San Pasqual loses, the winner of Friday’s Oceanside-El Camino game will get second. Five teams after RBV have playoff shots.

City Central League (2-A)--Lincoln will win the championship if it can beat Christian at home today. If Christian wins, it would be champion if Crawford loses to St. Augustine tonight. If Christian and Crawford win, there will be a three-way tie for first, and all three would qualify for the playoffs under section rules.

City Western League (2-A)--The winner of tonight’s USDHS-University City game will win the league title. University City has clinched at least second. If USDHS loses, Kearny could get second by defeating La Jolla.

Grossmont League (2-A)--Only league with just one guaranteed spot. If Valhalla beats Grossmont tonight, it wins the title. If Grossmont wins, it ties Valhalla and Santana for first and all 3 go to playoffs.

City Eastern League (3-A)--Morse has clinched the championship. Point Loma and Patrick Henry meet tonight to decide the No. 2 playoff spot.

Grossmont League (3-A)--Granite Hills has wrapped up the No. 1 playoff spot. Helix and Mt. Miguel meet tonight to decide No. 2.

Metro Conference (3-A)--Chula Vista has finished first. Sweetwater and Southwest meet tonight to decide second.

Palomar League (3-A)--Orange Glen won the title. San Dieguito, Fallbrook and Poway are tied for second. None play each other this week. If all three win, coaches will have to vote on a No. 2 team. If 2 of the 3 win, head-to-head meetings during the regular season will break the tie.