Mira Costa a Winner This Time

Mira Costa High seized opportunities provided by Monrovia in its second appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division IX final and defeated the Wildcats, 28-14, Saturday night before 5,000 at El Camino College.

Mira Costa, which lost in last year’s Division IX final to Atascadero, forced Monrovia to pass early and that proved disastrous for the Wildcats.

Monrovia quarterback Darryl Moore threw six interceptions, three that were made by senior Mike Enos.

“I watched films all week and I knew when he was going to throw,” said Enos, who returned one of the interceptions 15 yards for a touchdown.

Mira Costa (12-2) used superior line play to run right up the gut against Monrovia (12-1-1) and get 222 yards rushing.

Brian Vasquez had 87 yards in 13 carries, while Robert Hodge completed eight of 16 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown to Mike Esparza.

“Our line controlled their line the entire game,” Hodge said. “We were running traps and we told ourselves we were going to keep running it until they covered it and they never really did.”

Monrovia set the pattern for the game on its first play. Moore attempted to throw a hitch pass to Paul Escavcega when Zach Floberg stepped in for the interception.

Two plays later, running back Hussein Meadows scored on a 15-yard run.

Three of Moore’s interceptions were in the first half and Enos’ touchdown return wrapped up the game’s scoring with 4:52 left in the half.

Monrovia was led by running back Akil Harris, who rushed for 75 yards and one touchdown in 19 carries.