PREP EXTRA / SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : DIVISION II : Mira Costa Rallies to Tie Buena Park, Then Wins Tiebreaker

Mira Costa staged a late comeback and edged Buena Park, 22-19, in the second round of a California tiebreaker in the Southern Section Division VII football playoffs Friday at Mira Costa High.

Sophomore quarterback Kevin Cooper, making only his third start, hit Jason Hughes on a 10-yard pass in the right corner of the end zone to win the tiebreaker.

The teams had exchanged field goals in the first round of the tiebreaker before Coyote kicker Jude Reyes added his fourth field goal of the game, giving Buena Park a 19-16 lead.

Cooper had guided Mira Costa (10-1) on an 11-play, 76-yard drive that consumed six of the seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and tied the score, 13-13. Running back Dennis Hughes scored on a two-yard touchdown run.

Cooper played like a veteran in the final drive, completing passes of 26, 17 and 12 yards. He completed six of 21 passes for 120 yards, including a 53-yard scoring pass to running back Mike Fikes in the second quarter.

Buena Park (4-7), having survived a coin toss that broke a four-way tie for first in the Freeway League, started strong against the Mustangs. Fullback Tim Jones returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. The Coyotes led, 10-6, after three quarters.

Buena Park quarterback David Barrios rushed 15 times for 90 yards and completed his only pass for a three-yard gain.