SOUTHERN SECTION FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Manhattan Beach Mira Costa, the No. 3 seed in the Southern Section Division III playoffs, scored two touchdowns and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter to survive a first-round scare with a 30-21 victory over Saugus Friday night at Mira Costa High.

Saugus, the third-place team from the Foothill League, pulled to within 23-21 when it drove 97 yards and capped it with a seven-yard touchdown run by Brandon McCullough with 7:38 left to play.

The Centurions (6-5) forced a Mira Costa punt on its next possession but Mustang defensive back Tyler Caldwell intercepted a pass three plays later and Mira Costa took a 30-21 lead on an 18-yard touchdown run by Michael Okwa with 1:39 left.

Saugus lead, 14-0, midway through the second quarter but Mira Costa (11-0) closed to within 14-10 at the half. The Mustangs took their first lead at 16-14 midway through the third quarter and extended it to 23-14 on a 58-yard touchdown pass play from Peter Dobush to Nick Haley with 11:03 left in the game.

Dobush completed 12 of 18 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns and Okwa rushed 22 times for 162 yards and one touchdown. McCullough finished with 134 yards and two touchdowns in 24 carries for Saugus.