One Is Up in Air, Other Makes a Run

Their differences are pronounced, but Notre Dame and Camarillo--both with 12-1 records entering tonight’s Southern Section Division III final at Camarillo High--talk about their similarities.

The Knights go as far as Justin Fargas takes them on the ground, the Scorpions as far as Joe Borchard leads them in the air.

But both teams boast opportunistic defenses, solid offensive lines and quality kickers. And they seldom turn the ball over.

Borchard has thrown only nine interceptions in 359 passes, and Notre Dame’s Jorge Piedra has thrown just two in 155 attempts. Fumbles are equally rare.

“Notre Dame executes everything very well,” Camarillo Coach Carl Thompson said. “Something we have in common is that both teams have improved quite a bit since the beginning of the season.”

Defense perennially is a Notre Dame strength, and this year is no exception. The Knights, who entered the playoffs as the division’s top-ranked team, allow an average of 12.2 points a game and have held five opponents to fewer than nine points.

Notre Dame Coach Kevin Rooney, who led the Knights to the Division III title in 1994, praised the Scorpions’ defense.

“I think they have the best defense in their league,” Rooney said. “I’m very impressed with them. [Borchard] is going to be playing in college somewhere.”

Notre Dame has won 10 consecutive games since a 14-7 nonleague loss to Beverly Hills in the season’s third week. Camarillo has won 11 in a row since losing to Rio Mesa and Oxnard. Oxnard later forfeited its victory.

Camarillo’s improved offensive line of center Mike McGrath, tackles Jeff Festerling and Chris Mykleby, and guards Matt Klinger and Maury Higgins is facing its toughest challenge. Notre Dame recorded five sacks in a 45-20 semifinal victory over Muir.

The Scorpions have 16 interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns by Eugene Jackson. But Camarillo must stop the area’s leading rusher after spending all season focusing on the pass.

Fargas, deceptively strong with exceptional balance, has rushed for at least 200 yards in nine games, including a 329-yard performance against Harvard Westlake.

“Great balance, great speed,” Thompson said of Fargas. “He’s a tough one to bring down. You really have to wrap up on him.”