SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: DIVISION VI : Pacifica Has Tough Time With Western

Bill Craven, Pacifica High School football coach, found out Friday night just how difficult it will be for his team to win the Southern Section Division VI football title.

Second-seeded Pacifica struggled for a 19-14 victory over Western in an opening-round playoff game in front of 1,500 at Bolsa Grande High School.

The Mariners (9-1-1) advance to the second round against Saddleback, which defeated La Habra, 17-7. Western, which finished third in the Orange League, ends its season 4-7.

“We tried to play hard tonight, “ said Craven. “The problem was we weren’t winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.”

Western had a 14-13 lead entering the fourth quarter, but junior running back Chris Shockley’s second touchdown on a 14-yard run gave Western a 19-14 lead with 11:32 remaining.

Western got the ball back twice in the final 11 minutes, but was unable to mount any scoring threat.

Shockley gained 150 yards in 23 carries. He also scored on a 62-yard punt return that tied the score, 7-7.

Western opened the game’s scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run by Don Norris that capped a 12-play, 81-yard drive. Gilbert Brito added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Quarterback Miles Roberson led Western, completing 11 of 22 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. Norris rushed for 104 yards in 22 carries. Pacifica’s Bobby Anderson completed 10 of 19 passes for 128 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.