DiPadova Leads Taft Into Final

It’s been a tough week for Woodland Hills Taft High quarterback Nick DiPadova, but he still was able to lead his team to a 15-8 victory over Westchester Friday night at Taft in the City Section Division 4-A semifinals.

The victory gives the Toreadors their first berth in a major-division final.

After the Toreadors had advanced to the semifinals, DiPadova’s father, Nick Sr., suffered a minor heart attack.

The elder DiPadova was released from the hospital earlier this week and was back in the stands Friday night, watching his son become the hero, as DiPadova scored on an 18-yard run with 42 seconds remaining.

Second-seeded Taft (13-0) will play San Pedro next Friday night at the Coliseum.

For good measure, DiPadova intercepted a Hail Mary pass from as time expired to seal the victory.

Trailing 8-7, Taft began its final drive with just over four minutes remaining at its own 29.

After DiPadova was sacked by by Larry Tripplet for an eight-yard loss and an option play went nowhere, the Toreadors were faced with their biggest play of the season.

Enter wide receiver Ryan Long.

After receiving a lateral pass from DiPadova, Long pulled up to throw, but found his primary receiver, tight end Alex Scheer, double covered. But Long found receiver Keith Johnson free in the

middle of the field for a 41-yard gain.

“I just tried to keep track of it, I lost it in the lights,” Johnson said. “I told him I would be open.”

Two plays later, DiPadova connected with Damon Coleman on a screen pass that turned into a 24-yard play play, putting Taft at the Comet 17.

After a one-yard loss by tailback Sedric Hurns, DiPadova faked to Hurns then rolled out all alone towards the left sideline.