Division II: : Dana Hills vs. Irvine

RECORDS--Dana Hills (9-1-3), Irvine (11-2).

SITE--Orange Coast College, 7:30 p.m.

DANA HILLS UPDATE--The Dolphins have dominated every team they’ve faced in the playoffs with their big offensive line. Tackles Alfredo Diaz and Nurcan “Turk” Ciftcikara both weigh in at 280, and they tend to wear down defenses. Marcus Jenkins has rushed for 1,496 yards. In the first game against Irvine, Jenkins gained 122 yards in a 27-23 victory--the Vaqueros’ only loss in South Coast League play. “They just wore us down,” Irvine Coach Terry Henigan said. “They were the most physical team we played this season.” The Dolphins have given up only 20 points in three playoff games, and no team has been able to run on them effectively. Dana Hills is led by linebacker David Erikson and defensive tackle Ben Smith, a 6-foot-1, 290-pound junior. However, the Dolphins’ secondary will be tested tonight, which means cornerbacks Jenkins and Jeremy Buck will be busy.

IRVINE UPDATE--The Vaqueros have won six consecutive games since losing to the Dolphins. Irvine has blown through the playoffs with a balanced offense, featuring quarterback Jason Minici and running back Scott Seal. Minici has passed for 2,230 yards and Seal has rushed for 1,626 yards. Wide receiver Danny Kang has 52 receptions for 733 yards. “What’s so difficult about playing Irvine is they mix things up so well,” Dana Hills Coach Don Douglass said. “You can’t key on one thing or they’ll pick you apart somewhere else.” Douglass knows well, having seen Irvine almost rally in the first meeting. The Vaqueros trailed, 27-9, then scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. The defense is led by linebackers Ryan Jones (123 tackles) and Tarey Gettys (110) and defensive lineman John Martin (100).

KEY TO THE GAME--For Dana Hills, it’s scoring first. With an average passing attack, the Dolphins are not a good come-from-behind team. For Irvine, it’s getting the ball. The Vaqueros can’t let the Dolphins get into a grind-’em-until-they-drop mode.

CONSENSUS--Dana Hills will grind ‘em and win.