Turnovers Keep Taft on Track

Taft High never quite figured out how to stop Washington’s multi-formation offense.

So the Toreadors settled for simply taking the ball away, recording five turnovers on their way to a 33-21 victory in a City Section 4-A Division quarterfinal game Wednesday night at Taft.

“The defense came through with the big plays,” said Taft’s Nick DiPadova, who completed only seven of 17 passes for 68 yards. “[Defense] kept us from losing this game.”

Washington outgained Taft to 332 yards to 267. Running variously from wing-T, two-back and spread formations, the Generals moved the ball up and down the field.

“We could have beat this team,” Washington quarterback Johnny Marin said. “It was just the mistakes that got us.”

Marin was the chief culprit, throwing three interceptions and fumbling once. His first turnover came a few minutes into the game. The teams traded quick touchdowns and Washington was poised to score again, but Taft defensive back Damon Coleman intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 26 yards.

The Toreadors (12-0) converted the turnover into a 10-7 lead on Jamie Mena’s 30-yard field goal.

Washington (7-5) answered with a quick score to regain the lead, 14-10, but minutes later it was Taft linebacker Tyler Brennan who came up with an interception.

This time Marquis Brignac followed up by darting 15 yards for a touchdown.

“I knew I had to step up in this game,” said Brignac, who had 19 carries for 134 yards and three touchdowns. “Everybody was counting on me.”

Leading, 17-14, at halftime, Taft took over early in the third quarter. Defensive lineman Clint Evans forced Marin to fumble. DiPadova, frustrated in his attempts to throw the ball, rolled left and turned upfield for a 16-yard scoring run.

On the next series, Coleman grabbed his second interception and Brignac followed with a 19-yard touchdown run.

Washington had a chance to come back when Marin broke an option play 38 yards, darting for a late touchdown that closed the score to 31-21.

But with time running down, Evans bulled his way through the Generals’ offensive line and tackled Marin for a safety.

“All week long we heard about their defensive line being the best,” Evans said. “We went out there and showed them who’s No. 1.”

Taft plays Westchester in next week’s semifinals, the first time the Toreadors have advanced past the second round since moving to the 4-A Division in 1993.