South Clinches Berth in Playoffs

Last year, South Torrance High ruined cross-town rival North Torrance’s chance for an undefeated regular season.

The Spartans played spoiler again Thursday night with a 21-14 victory over visiting North in the regular-season finale for both teams.

The loss ended North’s hopes of an undefeated Pioneer League season and dropped the Saxons (5-5, 4-1 in league) into a tie for first place with West Torrance. South (7-2-1, 3-1-1) clinched a playoff berth.

The first half was dominated by defense. South linebacker Andy Wang intercepted a pass by North quarterback Rocky Jackson and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown and 6-0 lead midway through the second quarter.

South appeared to take control of the game with two touchdowns in the third quarter for a 21-0 lead.

Spartan quarterback Mike Rosato passed 27 yards to wide receiver Melvin Miller with 10 minutes 17 seconds remaining in the third quarter and added a two-point conversion on a pass from Rosato to wide receiver Ryan Chung. South scored again on a seven-yard pass from Rosato to Chung with 2:52 left in the quarter.

But it took North only one minute to respond, scoring on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to wide receiver Ryan Delapina.

North pulled within a touchdown with 6:55 remaining when running back Lacy Watkins scored on a 33-yard run, breaking several tackles in the process.

The Saxons had one more chance to score, advancing to the South 37. But Jackson’s desperation pass to the end zone with 40 seconds left was broken up by two South defenders.