La Costa Canyon (11-0) opened the game with an emphatic first possession drive spanning the length of the field, capped off by a short Ronnie Crouse touchdown.
Torrey Pines (5-6-1) responded with a touchdown drive of its own. Quarterback John Cabot connected with Ryan Rodas for a highlight-worthy 47-yard play down the left sideline. Near the goaline, Cabot QB sneaked for a 1-yard touchdown.
With the game tied 7-7 La Costa Quarterback Garrett Krstich kicked it into high gear and led the Mavericks down the field in the second quarter and scored on a short run. Krstich, pumped up by the rivalry game, seemed possessed and delivered blows on his quarterback scrambles, igniting the team and the Maverick faithful.
La Costa Canyon missed a golden opportunity for a field goal attempt as time expired in the second quarter. The teams went to halftime with the Mavericks up 14-7, and coach Brown a little frustrated on a 2-minute drill that ended in zero points.
The second half was a 1-score affair, as Garrett Krstich continued his offensive assault on the Falcons, rushing for a 5-yard third quarter score, his second rushing touchdown. Krstich finished 14-of-19 for 161 yards passing, 45 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns.
Weston Manor added a solid performance with runningback Seth Hanson out, rushing 20 times for 149 yards. Ronnie Crouse, Shea Backus, and Justin Vergara also contributed to the rushing game.
Stellar wide receiver Kenny Stills had 9 catches for 107 yards and broke the all-time San Diego Section receiving mark. In his career, Stills now has 2,954 total yards receiving. Congratulations Kenny.
The final half of football was highlighted by a swarming La Costa Canyon defense, led by the Mavericks defensive line, who harassed Cabot nearly every time he dropped back to pass.
Defensive lineman Paul Quessenberry had the game of his life and would of been a fantastic fantasy performer, finishing with 4 sacks. Defensive lineman Adam Witzmann, seemed to be in on nearly every tackle and added a sack. His on-field enthusiasm and leadership strengthened the Gang Green attack. Senior defensive back Steven Bogert delivered a great hit. Ian Seau, Tucker Toolson, and Spencer Laughter also joined in on the sacking party. The Mavericks finished with an astounding 8 total sacks.
The Mavericks will host the Vista Panthers next week in the semifinals with their second-straight Qualcomm birth on the line. Vista eliminated the Fallbrook Warriors 27-7 to advance to play La Costa for the second straight year in the playoffs (their playoff game highlights from last year can be seen here).
Congratulations Kenny. That is a fantastic accomplishment and should receive as much credit as Seale did breaking the rushing record. Great to have you as a Maverick and best of luck in your college career!
North county times didn't make a big deal about Stills accomplishment like they did for Ricky Seale. I agree he deserves the same attention, although it seems for some reason people are more excited with a rushing record.
Krstich is a beast and will run you and your family over