Toreros Meet La Verne, Top Division III Passer

Spare Brian Fogarty the theatrics.

Nothing would please the University of San Diego football coach more than to watch the Toreros play La Verne today in a reasonably tranquil atmosphere, unlike last year’s roller-coaster ride in which USD prevailed, 38-37.

“Unbelievable,” Fogarty said. “Fortunately, we were able to squeak out of it. But it was one of those games you’d like to watch from the stands, not coach in.”

Fogarty returns to the front lines at 1 p.m. today, when the Toreros (1-0) travel to La Verne (0-0 in 1992, 7-2 last season).

And with the Leopards returning 15 starters, including quarterback Willie Reyna, he’s expecting an equally challenging meeting.

“We’re in for one heck of a game,” he said.

That would make it two in a row for USD, which held on for a 14-13 victory in its opener last week against Division II Cal State Hayward. CSUH failed on a pass conversion attempt with 35 seconds remaining to ice USD’s victory.

What the Toreros must do is contain Reyna, who threw for 454 yards and three touchdowns against USD last year. Reyna, a senior, was the leading passer in Division III in 1991.

“He’s an outstanding thrower, he has a real quick release,” Fogarty said. “Like last week, we need to prevent the big play, the long pass for a touchdown.”

On defense, the Toreros will rely on senior defensive backs Matt Horeczko (14 tackles, one sack, one interception) and Jeff Blazevich (eight tackles, one fumble recovery). Linebackers Neal Weitman (eight tackles), Marcus Carter (11 tackles, one forced fumble, one pass deflection) and Tim Lynch (10 tackles) were also instrumental last week.

On the other side of the ball, USD fullback Scott Sporrer is coming off a 31-carry, 152-yard performance.

“I told Scott he’d get the ball 30 times a game. We intend to continue on that way,” Fogarty said.

The presence of Sporrer, who scored one touchdown, and Michael Henry (eight carries, 55 yards last week) help ease the loss of Willie Branch, who is academically ineligible this year.

Quarterback Michael Bennett was five for 14 for 54 yards and a touchdown last week.

“It wasn’t his best game, but he did relatively well,” Fogarty said. “One area that was real positive, he had some key first downs. He’ll throw better as we go. His confidence will build as he gets more protection.”

Torero Notes

Defensive lineman Rick Salazar (shoulder) missed the opener but is expected to play today. Defensive lineman Adam Smith (hand) is questionable, as is defensive back Stephen Crandall (hamstring).