PREP EXTRA / SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : DIVISION VIII : La Mirada Takes Advantage of University Turnovers to Win
Top-seeded La Mirada capitalized on seven turnovers to defeat University, 24-0, in the first round of the Division VIII playoffs Friday night at La Mirada High School.
La Mirada (11-0) was led by Mike Palumbo, who completed 13 of 17 passes for 126 yards. University quarterback Alan Price completed only four of 12 passes for 32 yards with four interceptions.
University, which finished 4-6-1, also fumbled the ball away three times.
La Mirada moved out to a 3-0 lead on a 26-yard field goal by Eric Martinez with 10 minutes 6 seconds remaining in the second quarter.
The Matadores took a 10-0 lead when Palumbo connected with Wyatt Boatright on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 6:38 left in the second quarter.
La Mirada moved ahead, 17-0, on a two-yard touchdown run by Brett Darnell, with 51 seconds left in the half.
La Mirada then took a 24-0 lead when Jeff Nicolini recovered a fumble and returned the ball 10 yards for a touchdown with 6:03 left in the fourth quarter.
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