El Toro Too Tough, Too Talented for Gahr

El Toro High School, led by quarterback Steve Stenstrom and tight end Bo Haley, overpowered Gahr, 43-8, in the first round of the Southern Section Division III playoffs Friday night at Irvine High School.

Stenstrom, a 6-2 senior, completed his first 10 passes as El Toro opened a 22-0 halftime lead. Stenstrom wound up completing 12 of 15 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored on a two-yard run for the first touchdown of the game.

“I was concerned coming in,” said El Toro Coach Bob Johnson. “I didn’t know how we’d react after such an emotional loss last week (22-21 to Capistrano Valley) that cost us the (South Coast) league championship and the county championship.”

He needn’t have been so concerned. El Toro (9-1) had too many weapons for Gahr. Haley had two touchdown catches, one of 31 yards and the other (from backup quarterback Rob Johnson) for 86 yards.

Gahr (7-4), the second-place team from the San Gabriel Valley League, was led by highly regarded defensive back Don Cunnigan. Cunnigan, who played both ways and returned five kicks, had six unassisted tackles and 11 overall.

El Toro will next play Villa Park.