HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFF ROUNDUP : DIVISION IX

South Torrance 15, Oak Park 0--The Spartans used a stifling defensive effort to shut out visiting Oak Park, which was without leading rusher Tarik Smith, who was suspended last week for disciplinary reasons.

The Spartans (8-3) never let Oak Park past its 46-yard line, forcing the Eagles (7-4) to punt on all but two of their possessions.

South Torrance took advantage of good field position throughout the game. Steve Finely booted field goals of 41 and 26 yards, and quarterback Mike Rosato scored on a six-yard run.

The Spartans also recorded a safety when defensive lineman Chad Sauter, a 6-6, 260-pounder, sacked backup quarterback Ron Allen in the end zone in the third quarter.

South Torrance was led by sophomore running back Chad Morton, the younger brother of USC’s Johnny Morton. He rushed for 108 yards in 28 carries.

Without Smith, the Eagles struggled offensively, losing three yards in 20 carries. Oak Park quarterback Alex Eckert completed only three of 10 passes for 33 yards. The Eagles had 30 yards in total offense.