SOUTHERN SECTION DIVISION VI PLAYOFFS : Powell Runs Over Troy in Sparking Tustin to a 24-7 Victory

With junior running back Jason Powell rushing for a touchdown and a career-high 175 yards in 12 carries, Tustin rolled to a 24-7 victory over Troy Friday night in the first round of the Division VI playoffs at Northrup Field.

The victory advances the Tillers (10-1), the No. 3 seed in Division VI, to Friday’s second round against Bassett. Last season, Tustin defeated Pacifica and Bassett in the playoffs en route to the Division VI championship game.

Tustin led the Warriors, 10-0, at halftime before Powell blew open the game in the third quarter. Powell, who had 113 yards in four carries in the second half, ran 62 yards for a touchdown on the Tillers’ second play of the second half for a 17-0 lead with 6 minutes 33 seconds left in the third quarter.

Powell’s 37-yard run on Tustin’s ensuing drive set up quarterback John Miller’s 10-yard touchdown pass to Ronnie Hall for the Tillers’ final score late in the third quarter.

Troy (3-6-2) had several chances to score, but failed. Twice in the first half the Warriors drove deep into Tustin territory without converting. On its final drive of the first half, Troy drove to the Tustin seven-yard line. But quarterback Brent Lacher threw a pass that fell incomplete on fourth and goal.

Tustin finished with 337 yards total offense, including 273 rushing. Troy had 291 yards total offense, 162 passing. Lacher completed 11 of 21 passes for 129 yards, and fullback James Hartford rushed for 104 yards in 19 carries.

“This was a difficult game for us,” said Tustin Coach Marijon Ancich. “We’re just glad to get this one out of the way.”