Banning Gets Caught in Taft’s Speed Trap

There’s no substitute for speed, and a trio of Taft High running backs validated that theory in the Toreadors’ 27-0 victory over Banning on Friday night.

Marquis Brignac, Sedric Hurns and Larry Jones combined for 279 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Brignac had 143 yards in 16 carries and showed his breakaway speed with touchdown runs of 30 and 26 yards in the second half.

“The most important element in football is speed,” Taft Coach Troy Starr said. “We’re fortunate enough to have some guys with it.”

Hurns rushed for 71 yards in nine carries and Jones broke loose on a 65-yard touchdown run in his only carry.

The Toreadors led, 6-0, at halftime and were unable to capitalize on three first-half turnovers by Banning.

“This Banning team was 20-0 at the [underclass] level,” Starr said. “So we beat a pretty good team. But tonight was a hot night and I feel we’re the best-conditioned team in the City [Section].”

Steve Alvarado of Taft completed seven of 12 passes for 110 yards. Ronald Andrews caught six passes for 92 yards.

Banning had a touchdown called back in the second quarter when a roughing-the-passer penalty was called on an 85-yard interception return by Mike Cockrell.

The Pilots finished with 282 total yards.