Matadors Take on Pointers in CIF Playoffs

The Mount Miguel Matadors came within a touchdown of reaching the San Diego Section CIF Division III semifinals a year ago.

The Matadors, co-champions of the Grossmont Valley League, don't want to see a repeat performance. They will have an opportunity to get there this time around by beating Point Loma High when the two schools meet Friday at 7 p.m. at Mount Miguel.

Point Loma, which beat a 7-3 Mar Vista team 21-7 last week in a first-round playoff game, runs a fly-sweep with a lot of misdirection.

"Our guys have to stay home to keep them from doing that," said Mount Miguel coach Tom Karlo. "Equally as important we have to focus on not turning the ball over."

A week ago Point Loma (8-3), a run-oriented team, surprised Mar Vista by completing enough passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns to put the Mariners on the sidelines.

"They showed some new dimensions, but we still believe they're a running team," said Karlo.

Mount Miguel (8-1-1) counts on running back Derrick Dunn, who has rushed for 1,065 yards and 22 touchdowns on 182 carries.

The Matadors also have two quarterbacks contributing to the cause. Ernest Williams has accounted for 901 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Dee'Jay Nolen has chipped in with 717 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Versatile senior Anthony Ortega has caught 32 passes for 459 yards and four touchdowns for the Matadors.

The teams have two opponents in common on the 2010 schedule. Mount Carmel tied with El Capitan 14-14 and beat Serra 28-0, while the Pointers lost to El Cap 31-21 and beat Serra 48-21.

"It's been a good year for us in terms of having home support," Karlo said. "I know this is a holiday weekend, but I hope we get the same support this week."

Special to Lemon Grove Patch from East County Sports.com