Another wild night in Toro town, where defense need not apply (and, for the most part, didn’t).
–This isn’t the Mountain View team of 2006 which went to the 5A Division I state championship game, but the Toros are pretty good.
Six weeks ago, the world was coming to an end when they got hammered by Scottsdale Chaparral and lost a closer one at Tucson Sunnyside, but they reeled off five consecutive wins between then and Friday night.
Even Friday, the Toros had a couple chances to forge ahead and win the game, but they can (and, I think, will) win the Central Region against Chandler Basha next week.
That’s pretty darn good for a team which was completely reconstructed after last year’s trip to the state semifinals.
Toros coach Tom Joseph laughed about the size/speed differential between them and Chandler before the game, and he was right, but the final score pretty much dictated otherwise. So, too, did the penalties, which cost Chandler dearly (again).
–Brett Hundley understandably got the headlines for his play, but the Toros were every bit as effective (if slightly less flashy) offensively against Chandler’s short-handed defense.
Brad Heap was nearly flawless (15 of 20 for 180 yards and two TDs with one INT) and put on a couple moves when he had to scramble. Jacom Brimhall’s fumble on the second-half kickoff proved pivotal, but he busted through the middle on his next touch and was his usual self (139 yards, TD, 2-point conversion reception).
Chase Richardson has Brimhall-esque elusiveness running or receiving, and Jordan Hinton (7 rec., 86 yards) is pretty good.
–Imagine how this game might have gone (or still be going) had Mountain View not had those two turnovers. The Wolves committed zero turnovers and had only two second-half penalties.
–Lastly, we touched on the onside kick rules here a couple weeks ago, and, sure enough, the Toros were offsides twice in the final minute while attempting an onside kick. Both times the ball went right to Chandler but the play was blown dead and Mountain View got to re-kick. The third time, Matt Gulbrandsen put down a perfect attempt and after a vicious collision and scramble, Andrew Muscara recovered it for the Wolves.
Why the Toros were basically allowed three chances at an onside kick for committing two penalties, is beyond me.
“Why the Toros were basically allowed three chances at an onside kick for committing two penalties, is beyond me.”
I question that too.