La Mirada’s Passing Attack Runs Away From Troy, 50-6

LA MIRADA — La Mirada quarterback Robert Herndon threw three touchdowns passes and Steve Coumparoules rushed for 126 yards as the Matadores defeated Troy, 50-6, in the first round of the Division VIII playoffs at Friday night in front of 2,500 at La Mirada Stadium.

La Mirada converted three Warriors turnovers in the first half into 17 points as the Matadores raced to a 36-6 halftime lead. La Mirada scored on all six of its first-half possessions.

“We dominated the game on offense and defense,” said La Mirada Coach John Mele, whose team won its sixth consecutive Suburban League title this season.

Quarterback Stephen Muther of Troy (5-5-1) stunned La Mirada’s defense on the game’s first play, racing 85 yards to give the Warriors a 6-0 lead

But La Mirada quickly responded. After Jimmy Zurn’s 47-yard field goal cut the deficit to 6-3, linebacker Steven Dorneman recovered a fumbled Troy punt attempt at the Warriors’ one. On the next play Herndon scored from one yard and the Matadores took the lead for good.

Herndon threw touchdown passes of nine, 10, and 12 yards to three receivers (Tim Lemon, Vaughn Jarrett, and Scott Rudiger). Herndon completed 12 of 19 passes for 227 yards.

La Mirada (10-0-1) advances to play South Hills, which defeated Los Amigos.