Costa Adding Offense In Run At Bay League Title

Despite a slow start, the Mira Costa High Mustangs are right where they want to be, with another Bay League title in their sights and an offense perking up at just the right time to help get them there.

The Mustangs have generated more than 40 points in two of quarterback Christian Rogers' three starts – they scored 41 and 44 in Bay League victories over West and Palos Verdes Peninsula – and after not scoring more than 17 points in any of their first five games, are averaging 33.3 points in their past three.

"We're picking up some steam, I think,'' Coach Don Morrow said. ''I thought last week we achieved a little more balance, which we have been striving for all year.''

The Costa passing game showed flashes of potential last week in its victory over Peninsula and the Mustangs get a chance to build on that Friday in a Bay League game against Leuzinger High, which has struggled defensively and is allowing 38.4 points per game.

Rogers, who is the third Costa quarterback to start a game this fall, has not been asked to throw the football often. But the 6-foot junior has been efficient - he completed 71 percent of his passes and threw for two touchdowns against the Panthers, and is 15 for 21 for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

"We've been fortunate that we haven't needed Christian to do a lot in the passing game, but he has been very effective when we have called upon him, and has not turned the ball over," Morrow said.

While the passing game is picking up momentum, the Mustangs may be a bit undermanned in the receiving corps. Sam Stekol, who leads the team with 24 catches for 392 yards, will not play against Leuzinger due to a concussion suffered against Peninsula, making a tackle from his safety position.

The Mustangs have been without senior Troy Saemman, second on the team with 12 receptions. They might also be without Geoff LaPointe, who has seen time in the slot.

"Geoff will probably be a game-time decision,'' Morrow said. ''We'll see more from Alec Weaver at wide receiver and probably need some plays out of Dante Bavis and Derek Largent.''

The Mustangs have been particularly dynamic in the run game, receiving excellent blocking from their young offensive line in the second half against Palos Verdes and last week against Peninsula.

"More holes have been opening up lately, and Deon [Morris] has shown the quicks to break off some big runs. Our counter game was terrific last week. That is the best we've executed in the run game," Morrow said.

Morris, who leads the team with 471 yards and five rushing touchdowns, has received the bulk of the carries in recent games, helped by the powerful J.R. Tavai, who had a big second half in the Palos Verdes game.

Defensively, the Mustangs have allowed only 24 points in a four-game winning streak, but are looking to shore up a pass defense that has been vulnerable between the 20-yard lines.

"Peninsula was really impressive in their passing game. We will need to tighten up things and have been working hard in practice," Morrow said.

Leuzinger (1-7) is led by junior tailback Anthony Williams, who has gained 567 yards and scored six touchdowns. Senior defensive lineman Jabari Matheiu has 54 tackles and four sacks. Morrow believes he will be difficult to contain.

"Leuzinger scares you with their athleticism,'' Morrow said. ''They are struggling some this year, and it's a new coaching staff so it will take some time, but they have players who can make plays against anyone and we will have to keep executing.''