USD Wins Finale, Branch Sets Record

University of San Diego running back Willie Branch concluded a record-setting season Saturday night, leading the visiting Toreros to a 28-19 nonconference victory over Occidental.

Branch, a freshman, carried the ball 16 times for 156 yards and scored one touchdown, a three-yard run in the second quarter to give USD a 14-7 lead. Branch’s effort gave him 1,004 yards on the season despite carrying the ball only 95 times. His average per carry, 10.6 yards, set a school record. He averaged 100.4 yards per game.

Scott Sporrer didn’t do too badly, either. He carried 21 times for 75 yards and two touchdown runs, of one and three yards. His touchdown with 14:02 left in the game set up a two-point conversion pass from Michael Bennett to Dave Bergmann, giving USD a 22-13 lead. That capped an eight-play, 70-yard drive.

Sporrer finished the year with 876 yards rushing.

Charlie Taumoepeau finished USD’s scoring with a one-yard run. The Toreros went for a two-point conversion, but it failed.

USD finished the year with a 7-3 record. The Toreros were 7-0 against Division III opponents, but last week’s 42-34 loss to NAIA Division II Azusa Pacific ended hopes for a playoff berth.

“It was a good season,” USD Coach Brian Fogarty said.