Prep Friday : THE BIG GAME

Westminster vs. El Toro

The records--Westminster 1-0-1, El Toro 2-0.

The site--Westminster High School.

Westminster update--The Lions, ranked No. 1 in the Orange County Sportswriters’ Assn. preseason poll, were stunned in a 14-14 tie with Valencia in their opener, but returned to form last week with a 32-0 victory over Irvine. Quarterback Mike Austin passed for 108 yards and tailback Corey Dickson gained 84 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. Defensive end Jim Rubalcava and linebacker Todd Weaver helped the Lions limit Irvine to 30 yards rushing. “They looked like a college team the way they physically handled Irvine,” said Bob Johnson, El Toro coach. Westminster tackle Gary Lewellyn will miss his third game with a partially torn ligament in his knee, but is expected to return next week against Crespi.

El Toro update--The Chargers’ offense never looked better in rolling up a 31-0 halftime lead against Fountain Valley last week. Wide receiver Scott Miller has caught 14 passes for 269 yards and 3 touchdowns. “There isn’t a defensive back in the county who can cover him one-on-one,” said Mike Milner, Fountain Valley coach. “He’s exceptionally good.” The Charger defense is led by two Scotts, All-American tackle Scott Spalding and linebacker Scott Ross. The key question is whether El Toro’s offensive line can handle Westminster’s eight-man front and protect quarterback Bret Johnson.

Consensus--Last year, Westminster manhandled El Toro, 26-7. The Lions rate a slight edge defensively, but Johnson’s passing should be the difference.