Costa Mesa (6-4) vs. Irvine (8-1-1)

7 TONIGHT IRVINE HIGH

Well-balanced Irvine has Dave Doomey as a breakaway threat, Sean Van de Merghel (12 touchdown passes in five games) on a hot streak and Evan Little as a big-play receiver. Only once, to Mater Dei, has the defense given up more than 20 points. On paper, this Division VI first-round game is no contest. However, Costa Mesa is a physical team, and physical teams always have a chance because they can be disruptive. The Mustangs’ perfect performance--and they’ll need one--must eat up the clock and keep the score low. If the Mustangs don’t protect the ball, they don’t have a chance.

KEY PLAYERS Costa Mesa

RB Jimmy Herzog 1,385 yds., 17 TDs

DB Ricky Martin 12 interceptions

QB David Weir 566 yds., 8.2 per carry

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Irvine

RB Dave Doomey 881 yds., 10 TDs

WR Evan Little 31 rec., 18.6 yards/catch

QB Sean Van de Merghel 60.0%, 18 TDs, 4 ints.