CHIEFS OF STAFF

Division III

Scouting Report

THE BREAKDOWN

Observations from Valencia Coach Brian Stiman, whose Vikings lost to Hart, 21-7, in a Foothill League game and to Mira Costa, 20-14, in the quarterfinals:

“They’re opposites, but they match up very well. Mira Costa’s offensive line vs. Hart’s defensive line will be a huge matchup. [Hart] has a great passing game. [Mira Costa] has a great running game.

“Mira Costa’s disadvantage is that they haven’t faced much of a passing game all season. [Quarterback] Kyle Matter makes things go for Hart. He’s been tremendous. He’s been doing it with his arm, his legs and his mind, making wonderful decisions.

“Hart also has a tremendous defense, and it all starts with their front four. They’re the best we saw all year. But the matchup with Mira Costa’s offensive line might be a draw. Mira Costa has the best overall group of linemen.

“On offense, Mira Costa’s strength is the running back [Michael Okwo]. He’s a lot more difficult to tackle than people think when they see him on film. He’s a big boy with a tendency to slip tackles.

“The biggest key of this whole thing might be where they’re playing. Hart hasn’t lost there in 3 1/2 years. That’s a very tough place to come into and could possibly be worth seven points for Hart right there.

“Seven points might decide this game.”

THE MATCHUPS

Quarterbacks

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J.R. Martinez, MC 78-155-9 1,494 yards 17 TDs Kyle Matter, Hart 260-408-8 3,385 yards 31 TDs

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Running backs

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Michael Okwo, MC 294- 1,702 yds. 5.8 avg. 22 TDs Morgan Schaening, MC 54- 343 yds. 6.4 avg. 2 TDs Mickey Mercado, Hart 73- 395 yds. 5.4 avg. 2 TDs Peter Dubsky, Hart 27- 82 yds. 3.0 avg. 8 TDs

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Receivers

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Morgan Ralls, MC 49- 1,005 yds. 20.5 avg. 14 TDs Nick Wynand, MC 14- 258 yds. 18.4 avg. 2 TDs Kevin Donoho, Hart 36- 700 yds. 19.4 avg. 9 TDs Chris Steck, Hart 48- 645 yds. 13.3 avg. 7 TDs Jake Norton, Hart 46- 629 yds. 13.2 avg. 1 TD

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THE SEASONS

HART (11-2, 5-0)

Coach Mike Herrington

36 at Monroe: 6

16 Thousand Oaks: 6

13 at Westlake: 23

35 Palmdale: 9

16 at Loyola: 24

45 *at Burbank: 8

21 *Valencia: 7

35 *at Burroughs: 8

34 *at Canyon: 0

37 *Saugus: 6

Playoffs

45 Chaminade: 3

28 at Crescenta Valley: 23

13 St. Francis: 0

*League game

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MIRA COSTA (12-1, 7-0)

Coach Don Morrow

34 B. Montgomery: 16

21 Warren: 28

23 South Torrance: 10

36 *Leuzinger: 16

7 *Hawthorne: 6

36 *Redondo: 21

28 *Beverly Hills: 24

28 *West Torrance: 7

49 *Culver City: 0

27 *Peninsula: 7

Playoffs

36 Arcadia: 29

20 Valencia: 14

41 Notre Dame: 38

*League game