Toreros End Division III Era by Defeating Menlo

When the dust settled on the University of San Diego football team’s 36-6 victory Saturday afternoon over Menlo, the feeling prevailed that the Toreros saved the best for last.

With a bye next weekend, USD’s game against Menlo was its last of the season. It also marked the final time the Toreros competed in Division III, before they test the waters of Division I-AA next season.

“This was our best overall game our offense played, and probably our best game as a team,” senior quarterback Michael Bennett said. “It’s a nice way to go out.”

With the victory, the Toreros (7-2-1) have won seven games in each of the last four seasons. Menlo (3-5) has one game remaining.

After a scoreless first quarter, USD scored on three consecutive possessions. Senior fullback Scott Sporrer capped a seven-play, 80-yard drive with a 14-yard scoring run. On the Toreros’ next possession, Bennett connected on five of six passing attempts, including an eight-yard touchdown pass to Sporrer.

Despite missing the last 10 minutes of the third quarter and the entire fourth, Sporrer broke USD’s career and single-season carries record, finishing with 526 and 228, respectively.

One record Sporrer missed was the single-season rushing mark. He needed 171 yards to break the record of 1,177 established by Sammy Croom in 1972. But after 19 carries and 91 yards, Sporrer left the game with an ankle injury. He finished the season with 1,098 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.

Scott Steingrebe caught three passes for 85 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown. Steingrebe, a sophomore, finished the season with 27 catches, five touchdowns and more than 500 yards.

John Lambert scored on a seven-yard pass play from Bennett, and backup quarterback Vince Moiso, who played most of the fourth quarter in relief of Bennett, ran one in from 43 yards out to complete scoring.

In his last game at USD, Bennett was 13 for 18 for 217 yards, with no interceptions and three touchdowns.

USD’s Steve Crandall had an interception, to bring his season total to four, and teammate Scott Buccola had two for the day to finish with three on the year. Punter Robert Ray finished the season with a 41.9 average, one of the best in Division III.

“It was a great team effort,” USD Coach Brian Fogarty said. “With all the injuries this season, to come back and get seven wins is quite an accomplishment.”