HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS : They’re Putting on the Pads for a Last Chance at Glory : City Section: It’s pay-back time for Banning, which gets chance to beat team that knocked it out of 1992 playoffs.

A chance to avenge last year’s first-round defeat in the City Section football playoffs has the Banning coaching staff smiling this week.

“We’re pleased,” defensive coordinator Ken Stumpf said of the Pilots’ rematch with Garfield. “We think the kids will be motivated. At least we have a game plan from last year, although it didn’t work real well.”

Garfield ended Banning’s 1992 season by holding on for a 7-6 victory. The Pilots would like nothing better than to return the favor when the teams meet again in a 4-A Division opener at 7:30 Friday night at Garfield.

Of course, that will depend on which Banning team takes the field--the one that posted impressive victories over San Pedro, 17-0, and Dorsey, 33-0, or the one that struggled last week in a 9-6 upset loss to Crenshaw, causing a three-way tie for second place in the Pacific League between Banning, Dorsey and Crenshaw.

Banning’s inconsistency can be traced to a Jekyll-and-Hyde offense. The Pilots (5-5) are 0-5 in games in which they have scored 14 points or fewer. But the defense usually keeps them in games. Banning has not given up more than 20 points in a game and has held opponents to an average of six points in the past six games.

Stumpf said the team’s offensive lapses have more to do with mental and emotional letdowns than a lack of skill.

“If our kids execute, they do well,” Stumpf said. “It’s all above the shoulders. They have to make on-field adjustments and play sound football.”

Unfortunately for the Pilots, neither the offense nor defense is at full strength. All-league defensive lineman John Toavalu, the team leader with six sacks, is in a walking cast and will miss his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury. Starting tailback Sean Turner is doubtful because of leg injuries. Junior Ricardo Diaz will start in Turner’s place.

Those injuries figure to place added pressure on the rest of Banning’s defense, led by middle linebacker Charlie Phillips, and quarterback London McBride, a marginal passer.

Garfield (9-1) won the Eastern League title behind a physical running game and tenacious defense. Bulldog running back Armando Figueroa, a three-year varsity starter, has rushed for close to 1,400 yards behind a line that averages 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds from tackle to tackle.

First-year Coach John Aguirre, who took over when former coach Steve Robinson died of a heart attack after last season, said Garfield wants to prove that last year’s victory over Banning was no fluke.

“We’ll find out if it was luck or not,” Aguirre said. “We’re accepting the challenge. We have the opportunity to prove that we have a credible program and can compete against the best in the City (Section).”

Here is a look at other City playoff openers involving area teams:

4-A DIVISION

Woodland Hills El Camino Real (7-2-1) vs. Carson (6-4) at Gardena High, 7:30 p.m. Friday--El Camino Real, which tied for third in the North Valley League, beat Kennedy in a tiebreaker Monday to earn a playoff spot. The Conquistadores rely on a running attack featuring tailback Chris Shinnick and a defense that shut out top-seeded and defending 4-A Division champion Sylmar, 6-0, early in the season. Shinnick, whose father, Don, played for the Baltimore Colts, has rushed for 1,251 yards and 17 touchdowns. Quarterback Ryan Venturine has passed for 704 yards.

Carson, the Pacific League champion, has played steady defense, giving up an average of 120 yards and 10 points a game. Linebackers Fa’avae Fa’avae and Myron Mailo and safety Pa’a Pepe are the Colts’ leading tacklers. Carson was successful moving the ball against San Pedro last week, but four turnovers ruined a 275-yard effort. Quarterback Ramon Rogers aggravated a shoulder injury against San Pedro and was benched in the second quarter, but is expected to play Friday. Wingback J.R. Redmond is a big-play threat for the Colts, who figure to have a speed advantage against El Camino Real.

3-A DIVISION

Chatsworth (3-7) vs. San Pedro (9-1) at Daniels Field, 7:30 p.m. Friday--Two teams headed in opposite directions meet. Top-seeded San Pedro, the defending champion, has won five games in a row since losing to Banning. The Pirates beat Carson last week for the first time since 1968. Chatsworth was already struggling when it lost its quarterback and leading rusher to academic problems last week. Without Aaron Hummel, who had passed for 1,068 yards in nine games, and running back Shon Alexander, the Chancellors were beaten by Reseda, 33-12.

An opportunistic San Pedro defense came up with four turnovers against Carson, led by free safety Mike Lennox with two interceptions. Defensive back Aaron Burruss set up a field goal with an interception, and Joey Danelo’s fumble recovery set up the Pirates’ touchdown. Tailback Jeff Williams returns to the lineup after sitting out last week because of a leg injury. In Williams’ absence, the Pirates relied on quarterback Chris Pappas, wide receiver Bryan Castaneda and backup tailback Rick Ponce. Look for San Pedro to run the ball behind its big offensive line.