It’s a Rivalry of Quality Between USD, Redlands

They’re not cross-town opponents, they’re not conference foes, there’s not even much tradition between these two football teams.

The only reason the University of San Diego and the University of Redlands have become rivals is that both can flat out play.

Redlands, a 17-14 loser to the Toreros last year at Redlands, is one of the region’s best.

“Redlands is one of the top teams in the West,” USD Coach Brian Fogarty said. “That’s why it has developed into a rivalry.”

Redlands Coach Mike Maynard described USD as a “formidable opponent. (USD) takes a lot of joy in beating us, as we do them. The kids look forward to conference games, but in terms of beating one of their best opponents, they certainly think USD is right up there.”

Through two games, it has been a sometimes rocky climb. USD (1-0-1) has had its illustrious moments, but neither side of the ball has strung together 60 minutes of play it can boast about.

USD aims for four consistent quarters against defending Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Association champion Redlands (1-0) at 7 tonight at Torero Stadium.

“Our offense has struggled a little in the first half,” junior defensive back Matt Horeczko said. “But our defense struggled in the end last week.”

In a 21-21 tie against La Verne last Saturday, the Toreros were scoreless in the first half. The defense gave up 14 points in the fourth quarter, when it allowed La Verne to score on both its possessions.

During the week, USD coaches focused on sustained concentration. A half-baked effort against Redlands, USD’s third tough opponent in as many weeks, won’t fly.

“This is one of the biggest games of the year for us,” Horeczko said. “We have to play like it. The coaches drilled that in us all week.”

USD also harped on ball control as a key: “That’s what it’s come down to every time we’ve played them,” Fogarty said.

Maynard said Redlands, with several key injuries, wants to stay healthy and keep the Toreros’ running game in check.

“Obviously, they like to run and we like to run. It’s a good idea as long as you can do it,” he said.

USD’s biggest backfield threat is Scott Sporrer, who has averaged 104.5 yards a game. Last year, he picked up 177 yards against the Bulldogs. But Maynard is also concerned with Michael Henry (20 carries, 105 yards) and John Lambert (11 carries, 100 yards).

Redlands lost its tandem of Curt Landreth and Shaun Trejo, who rushed for 5,250 yards in three seasons, but Chris Smith and Sean Cheatham each ran for 133 yards in the Bulldogs’ 21-16 victory against Menlo last week.

Three-year starting quarterbacks Brian Harmon of Redlands (11 for 21, 89 yards, one touchdown) and Michael Bennett of USD (14 for 30, 177 yards, three touchdowns) will square off. Harmon threw four interceptions against Menlo, which was only five fewer than he threw in 1991.

“We’re not anticipating he’ll have a game like that against us,” Fogarty said. “He’s a good quarterback.”

So Harmon had a lapse, but USD has had several. They’ve been identified, but have they been resolved?

“We’ve had those,” Horeczko said. “Now we’re ready to play.”

USD Notes

USD’s defense picked up the slack last week after three starters were injuried in the opener. It will have to do it again tonight. Junior linebacker Neal Weitman (knee) and junior defensive back Scott Buccola (dislocated shoulder) likely won’t play, and linebacker Marcus Carter (sprained ankle) is questionable. . . . Home-field advantage? The visiting team has won each of the past four meetings. Since 1983, Fogarty is 5-4 against Redlands, but the Bulldogs lead the series, 9-8.