History of Mustang Football

"This history of Mira Costa Football was originally prepared in 2000 to celebrate the founding of the High School and its 50 Year Reunion. This history is ongoing and records the growth of the Mustang Spirit and Tradition that has resulted in a football program that demands respect in League and CIF play. All alumni, players and supporters, share in the growth of this tradition."

— Don Morrow
Head Coach

2010-2011

Most would view the 2010 season as a rebuilding year. The Mustangs were following up a 2009 CIF Championship season marked by the graduation of a tremendous senior class. The year began with a home loss to Loyola in a tightly fought game. Despite a valiant effort, Costa came out on the short end of a 10-7 ballgame. Week 2 would see the Green and Gold take on the Serra Cavaliers, state bowl champions from 2009. The Mustangs played well for 3 quarters before Serra’s power and speed took over at the end. The effort was good but there was still work to be done.

Game 3 brought Narbonne on the schedule. The Costa defense came up with a great effort in shutting down a talented Gaucho squad. In the end, the Mustangs would prevail 7-6 to record their first victory of the season. Next up was a difficult road game against a rising Chaminade program. Costa played one of its most mistake-filled games in recent memory and Chaminade took full advantage, 29-14. Chaminade’s first three scores came off Mustang turnovers and the Eagle squad was too great to be given such gifts. Back home, the preseason would conclude with Newport Harbor in game 5. Another heroic defensive effort and a solid run game led to a 17-13 victory. The nonconference schedule was challenging. A top-notch defense was forming and a young offensive group was coming along as Mira Costa entered Bay League play.

First up in league was a round game at West High. Another excellent defensive performance and explosive rushing attack paved the way to victory. Week 7 was a road game at Palos Verdes. PV lead at the half, but Costa played a superb second half to prevail. Little did anyone know that the game would wind up being for the Bay League crown. Peninsula came to Waller week 8. Although the Panthers passed the ball quite well, the Green Machine rolled on, 44-7. Next up was a dangerous Leuzinger squad at home. The Olympians gave their all but the Mustangs moved to 4-0 in Bay play with a 33-0 outcome. Week 10 would conclude the regular season with a road game at rival Redondo. Costa jumped out early and cruised to a 25-0 win. The night capped a third straight undefeated Bay League campaign. The Mustangs would enter the playoffs with a home game. The opponent would be Moorpark High from the mighty Marmonte League. Costa struck first, but Moorpark did a fine job running their offense and came out on top 27-17.

A 7-4 season with the Bay League title made for optimism for the 2011 year. Many young Mustangs received great experience for the next season. The 2010 season was highlighted by J.R. Tavai who was named the CIF Defensive Player of the Year as well as the Bay League MVP. Derek Largent was the Defensive Player of the Year in the Bay. He joined Brendan Sofen, our kicker, and Brett Darragh, guard, on the All-CIF squad. With several All-Leaguers returning, the Mustangs went to work on what should be an interesting 2011.

2009-2010

With a wealth of experience returning from a 2008 CIF Finalist season, the expectations for the 2009 squad were particularly high. Many in the senior class talked of going undefeated as their goal and the possibility of landing in a state title game at the Home Depot Center.

These hopes were dashed almost immediately when the Mustangs suffered an opening season loss to Loyola at LA Valley College. The Mustangs came up short against a Cub squad that, at the time, was one of the best around. After defeating South Torrance on the road, the Mustangs returned to Waller to take on Esperanza. Although the green and gold led throughout, the Aztecs scored two late touchdowns to prevail 21-20. After a 1-2 start, MCHS had received a dose of reality. There was still much to play for and so Costa took on two formidable rivals, Narbonne and Newport Harbor. In another thrilling finish, the Mustangs prevailed over the Gauchos. Then, when Costa defeated Newport on the road, a 3-2 preseason seemed pretty good against excellent competition.

In Bay League play, MCHS was fortunate to go undefeated for a second straight season. Highlights included week 9 and week 10 complete victories over rivals, Leuzinger and Redondo. The squad entered the playoffs on a roll and hosted last year's finals opponent, Quartz Hill, at Waller Stadium. Being home proved quite a difference as Costa stormed to a 42-7 win over the Rebels. Next up was a Thanksgiving weekend road game at Chaminade. MCHS gained nearly 600 yards in the victory over the young Eagles and returned home to face recent playoff rival, Palmdale. When the Falcons closed the score to 21-20, it looked like the battle had been joined. But led by Kyle Demarco's brilliant quarterback might, the Mustangs pulled away 53-27. Mira Costa had reached its 8th final since 1993 and would face a rugged squad in Alemany.

In the final played at College of the Canyons, Alemany jumped out to two early leads. The Mustangs fought back each time and took the lead for good in the 4th quarter. An Alex Norocea field goal sealed the victory, 24-21. It was Mira Costa's first CIF title since 1997, and third overall. The season featured an eleven-game win streak, one of the longest in school history. When the All CIF team was chosen, MCHS was well represented. Kyle Nunn was selected CIF Offensive Player of the Year and J.R. Tavai was named Defensive Player of the Year. Other All CIF selections included Kyle Demarco, Andrew Brenner, Brett Darragh, Jordan Tavai, Jake Jelmini, Jackson Morrow, Morgan Reece, Alex Norocea, and Kellen Lockwood. The 2009 playoffs concluded a magical run by the senior class. 2010 would require 9 new starters on offense and 8 new ones on defense to replace this great crop of Mustang footballers.

2008-2009

After a difficult 2007 season, the Mustangs entered 2008 looking to bounce back. It was a young squad anchored by veterans Matt Williams, Chris Joe, and 2-time returning starter, Mike Freeman. The preseason finished at 2-3 with victories over South Torrance and a great road win at Esperanza. The three losses were to City Co-Champion, Narbonne, Sunset League Champion, Newport Harbor, and Division I stalwart, Loyola. A very inexperienced squad played tough during the preseason and learned valuable lessons from some fine teams.

By week 6, the Bay League season was underway. The Mustangs opened with a hard fought road win at West Torrance. In week 7, they overcame five turnovers during a daytime victory at Palos Verdes. The next week would bring Peninsula to Waller Stadium where the Mustangs played a very complete game prevailing 28-7. Next up was Leuzinger at home on Homecoming night. Costa started strong and seemed to have the game in control only to see the Olympians charge back and send the game into overtime. In the extra period, it was MCHS that came out on top to push their Bay League mark to 4-0. Standing between the Mustangs and a league title was arch rival, Redondo, who hosted Mira Costa week 10. The Mustangs were able to rely on two great friends of the past – sound defense and a punishing running attack – to overcome the Seahawks and secure the 2008 Bay League title.

Next up was the CIF Playoffs where Costa was fortunate to host on three successive weekends. In round one, the Mustangs barely escaped against a fine team from Eastside. Round two brought Warren High to Waller Stadium where MCHS once again played one of their solid games in limiting a very talented group of athletes, 28-14. Mira Costa then faced a familiar foe in the playoffs, the Palmdale Falcons. This would be the third playoff meeting between the two schools since 2005. The Mustangs prevailed at 21-14 to reach their seventh CIF Final.

The Mustangs' opponent in the final game was Quartz Hill and they were on the road. It was a bitter cold December night in Quartz Hill that saw the two finalists play to 0-0 tie at the half. Costa was their own worst enemy as they committed severalpenalties against a spirited Quartz Hill squad. In the end, Quartz Hill outplayed Mira Costa and came out on top 14-0 for a CIF title.

The Mira Cosrta season featured an 8-game win streak that was fueled by great defense, a solid running game, and zealous special teams. Several Mustang players received All Bay League recognition. Post-season honors also went to All Area performers, Chris Joe (LB), J.R. Tavai (NG), Mike Freeman (OT), Kellen Lockwood (Utility), Morgan Reece (LB), and Matt Williams (DL). Williams was named the Division III Player of the Year on defense. Tavai and Joe made All CIF on defense, Freeman made it for his offensive line prowess, and Lockwood was selected for his all around play. It was a great turnaround season in '08 and it set the tone for what could be a magical 2009 season of Mira Costa Mustang Football.

2007-2008

The Mustangs began the 2007 season with a bang. They defeated North Torrance 53-35. The Mustangs then narrowly lost to Division I powerhouse, Esperanza, 17-13. This close loss would set the tone for a season that ultimately ended 2-7-1. It was the first losing season at Mira Costa in 15 years. Week in and week out, the Mustangs were close but would come up just short. The effort was great and the Green and Gold truly competed against a difficult schedule of opponents. Losses included 39-31 to Newport Harbor, 47-39 to Narbonne, 41-39 to Peninsula, and a 27-21 overtime loss to Redondo. The Mustangs were led by Adrien Dotson, Johnnie Morgan, Jon-Mikkal Personius, and Sean Kelley. With two excellent lower level squads, MCHS will begin 2008 with great optimism.

2006-2007

A senior class that started Mustang Football 1 and 9 as Freshman embarked on their 06' campaign. The pre-season started in fine fashion as the Green and Gold jumped to a 3-1 start. Highlights included Adrien Dotson's 300 yard game vs. Beverly Hills and a rousing 4th quarter come-from-behind victory over Narbonne. The lone loss was on the road to a fine Esperanza club in a game that displayed great Mustang determination.

Bay League play began and it was an indifferent season for the young and inexperienced Mustangs. Costa finished 2-3 in the Bay and made the playoffs as the third place representative. The reward was a road game at #2 seed Palmdale. In perhaps their finest game of the season, MCHS prevailed 23-19. This set-up a second round home game vs. St. Paul. In a defensive battle that went to overtime, Mira Costa came up short.

From 1-9 as Freshman to a very competitive 6-6 as seniors, the 2006 squad fought hard throughout. With more than 30 juniors returning for 07', optimism was high. Several Mustangs were honored for their strong play during the season. Matt Duffy, Erick Mueller, Adrien Dotson, Alex Probasco, and Patrick Sheehy were selected to the All-Bay League squad.

2005-2006

With over 30 seniors, the expectations for this team were quite high. The goal was to win the Bay League and C.I.F. In both cases, the Mustangs would fall short.

The pre-season could not have gone better for the green and gold as the Mustangs went a perfect 5-0. Highlights included wins over C.I.F. finalists, Esperanza and Newport Harbor. Costa also avenged a rare home loss from 2004 when they defeated the Hawthorne Cougars on the road. The other two victories were over the very solid North Torrance and Narbonne clubs.

Bay League play began with a week 6 victory over South Torrance. This set up a battle of unbeatans in week 7 as Costa traveled to Peninsula. The Panthers prevailed in the game to take an early lead in the league race. In week 8, the Mustangs hung on to win a wild road game at Leuzinger, 42-40. Next up was a home victory versus a fine West Torrance club. When Redondo upset Peninsula, the Mustangs and Peninsula Panthers once again shared identical league and overall records at 8-1, 3-1. When the Redondo Seahawks came to Waller Stadium in week 10, a Mustang victory sealed a co-championship of the Bay League. The 42-21 decision also avenged a loss at Redondo from the previous season. So at the end of the regular season, Costa sat at 9-1, the lone blemish being the Peninsula game that allowed the Panthers to enter the playoffs as the Bay's #1 seed. The Mustangs hosted Palmdale in the first round and battled to an exciting 42-36 win. This set up a quarterfinal match at St. Francis. In a close, hard-fought battle, the Mustangs came up short, 20-14. The season concluded at 10-2, a most impressive record indeed.

Along the way, several of the Mustangs made the All-Bay League squad. Kevin Romero, Will Bullock, Charles Wolfgramm, David DeCordova, and Bruce Robinson were named to the All-Area squad. Bullock and DeCordova went on to be named All-C.I.F.

2004-2005

The 2004 Mustang Football season was different. It was unlike any season in recent years. Accustomed to winning often and having undefeated regular seasons, followed by CIF semi-final or final championship game appearances, the 2004 season fell short of these high expectations. While it was an off year in terms of wins and losses, it was an amazing year for this talented group of Mustangs as they overcame multiple challenges and adversity.

True to form, preseason polls had this team rated in the top 20 in the CIF Southern Section (consisting of more than 500 teams); it was favored to win its 5th straight Bay League title, and had not lost in 39 regular season games.

The schedule was tough &nash; it began with a home game against North Torrance and a Mustang victory, 31-27. This was an outstanding effort considering that North Torrance completed the remainder of its regular season undefeated and eventually lost in the CIF Division X championship game. The following week, the Mustangs traveled to play Division 1, Orange County powerhouse, Esperanza. The Mira Costa boys played their opponents tough and a 14-14 half time score, but the Aztecs took advantage of some Mustang mistakes and dominated the second half for a 38-14 victory – it marked the first time that Mira Costa had lost a regular season game since 1999 – a span of 40 games. Esperanza went on to a successful season and lost a CIF Division I semi-final game.

The third game was a "coming out" game for the Mustang running game with running backs combining for 216 yards and, likewise, a "coming out" game for new senior, quarterback Eric Esparza who threw for 107 yards. Their efforts, combined with a stingy defense, capped a 21-0 victory over Banning High.

Then adversity struck. After losing 3 key players because of an off-campus incident, the Mustangs fell victim to Hawthorne which became the first South Bay team since 1999 to defeat Mira Costa on its own turf. It was obvious that the loss of the three boys had an effect on the team – but these players and coaches would eventually overcome this challenge.

The following game was against another top team from Orange County, Newport Harbor. It was obvious that the loss of three talented players was taking its toll on the team, but the Mustangs produced a solid effort in a 28-14 loss. Newport Harbor went on to play in the CIF Division VI title game.

Who could remember 3 losses in 5 games? This is what the team was facing as they opened league play with an away game at South Torrance, facing a hungry Spartan squad. This was a tough game and it didn't look good for the Mustangs late in the 4th quarter, facing a 14-7 deficit with less than 3 minutes to play. The offense went to work with QB Esparza hooking up with Kevin Kelley, who made an over-the-shoulder catch on a third and ten play that went for nearly 55 yards, deep into Spartan territory – this set up a 14 yard touchdown pass to Kelley with 1:36 remaining, tying the score at 14-14. The defense took the field and led by seniors Justin Reece, Eric Esparza, Steven Renaudo, J.D.Ciasulli, Zach Heiller and Stewart Stachowiak, they forced South Torrance to punt after three and out leaving the door open for a last second Mustang rally. With excellent clock management by Coach Morrow, the Mira Costa offense moved the ball to the South 22 yard line in six plays and with 0:02 on the clock and no time outs left, spiked the ball to set up a Joe Houston 39 yard field goal attempt. South called two time outs in an effort to "ice" the Mustang place kicker – when the ball was finally snapped, you didn't have to follow the flight of the ball into the darkness – you only had to look at the Mustang sideline, the players racing out to the center of the field in celebration of a last second, winning field goal. Mira Costa was 1-0 in league. This was the moment in the season when the players would begin to realize that adversity and challenges can be overcome.

The next game was against visiting Peninsula who just so happened to be undefeated at 6-0 and was top ranked by the Daily Breeze. They were anxious to show how tough they were to the Mustangs who had dominated them the previous four seasons. But the Mustangs played a tough game and fought the Panthers to a 27-27 tie, preserving the 24 game Bay League unbeaten streak that Peninsula had, so badly, wanted to end.

The Mustangs were now 3-3-1 and they completed the regular season with two victories over West High and Leuzinger – a season highlight was Britton Ertman's 4 touch-down performance against West. If you asked any Mustang player what was the low point of the season, they would probably point to the last, regular game of the season, a loss at Redondo. The Sea Hawks hadn't beaten Mira Costa since 1992, but a highly talented Redondo team took revenge upon the Mustangs after being unable to find a way to win for 12 years against their main, South Bay rivals.

Mira Costa entered the playoffs with a road game at Pasadena Muir – it was a tough contest with some controversial calls going against the Mustangs. It all came down to Mira Costa on Muir's 1 yard line, behind 34-27 and the clock ticking away – and that's how it ended. Another few precious seconds, and Costa could have tied the game, perhaps won in over time and moved into the second round of the playoffs but... it just wasn't meant to be.

The final record of 5-5-1 doesn't reflect the great accomplishment of the 2004 Mustangs. Despite the sudden loss of key players on both offense and defense this team rallied and finished just one game away from a Bay League Co-Championship and just one yard from going to the CIF Division III Second round. The heart and grit of this team was extraordinary and it deserves to take its place proudly among the Mustang Teams of the past.

In post season awards, the following senior players were awarded Bay League First Team honors: J.D Ciasulli, Casey Lawrence, Joe Houston, Eric Esparza, Justin Reece, and Britton Ertman. Second team honors went to Kevin Kelley and Zach Heiller. Daily Breeze, All Area honors went to Britton Ertman and Justin Reece. Great seasons were turned in by seniors Steven Renaudo, Stewart Stachowiak, and Nick Woodward. The 2004 fans and friends of the Mustangs were very grateful for the special qualities exhibited by the 2004 team.

2003-2004

In the summer of 2003, there were lots of questions about the state of Mustang Football at MCHS. And who could blame those who were questioning the quality of the program considering the staggering loss of fifteen, extremely talented seniors that had graduated. Could this group of unknown Mustangs continue the streak of consecutive league championships to 4 years? Could this untested squad keep the sixteen home game, victory streak going? Were they strong enough to keep the 28 consecutive regular season victories in tact? Were they deep enough to achieve a 10-0 regular season for a third consecutive year?

Yes, yes, yes and yes!

Morrow's Mustangs shocked the pundits and lots of South bay teams in this great season – this group of Mustangs were 12-0 entering the semi-final CIF game against Sherman Oaks, Notre Dame. Many on this year's squad were relatively unknown but by season's end, everyone knew this bunch: Tyler Pringle, LA Times Player of the Year; Tyler Pringle & Justin Reece, LA Times and Daily Breeze 1st Team, All-Region Football Athletes. Mataele Pauu, Brenden Guitierrez & Kyle Darr. Daily Breeze All-Area 2nd Team Defense. All Bay League: Tyler Pringle, MVP; Justin Reece, Co-Defensive Player of the Year; Spencer Smith, Brain Jackson, Joe Houston, 1st Team Offense; Mataela Pauu, Brenden Gutierrez, Kyle Darr, Britton Ertman, 1st Team Defense; Chuck Fox, Casey Lawrence, Kevin Kelley, 2nd Team Offense; Evan Shelton, 2nd Team Defense.

All these players that received recognition would be the first to tell you that they needed the support of the entire squad led by this group of seniors: the much underrated Anthony Espinoza, Robert Jackson, Justin Palmer, Austin Smith, James Dusenberry, and Andy Oldfield – all these seniors having a big part in the Mustang's undefeated, regular season.

The Mustang defense made a statement to all comers in the first game of the season when North Torrance, behind 14-0, had a third down and inches on the Mustang 3 yard line – penalties against Costa gave the Saxons 6 chances to cash in and get within a score of tying the Mustangs but a bold, goal line defense kept the Saxons off the score board and preserved the shut out. This defensive dominance set the tone for the entire season, as once again, Morrow's Mustangs achieved a perfect regular season and were seeded as the best team in Div III CIF. In the play-offs, the Mustangs, at home, overwhelmed Paramount 49-6 and then traveled up to Chaminade to post a 52-24 victory. This set up a show down in the CIF semi-final game against defending champion, Notre Dame. In Costa's first series, MVP Pringle suffered a contusion, which prevented him from dominating the running game. It was a hard fought game and the boys kept it close but in the end, Notre Dame prevailed, 21-13 and the Mustangs finished the season at 12-1.

In the first two games of the season, it was Mustangs 44, opponents 0. The third game was at perennial powerhouse Banning, also 2-0. Pringle carried the ball 27 times for 168 yards and made 16 tackles. Yet the Pilots kept the game close at 14-7. They nearly tied the game in the 3rd quarter when they were knocking on the Mustang door from the 12-yard line, but on 4th down and 3, nose guard Justin Reece, double-teamed, broke through the line and sacked the Banning QB for a loss. KickerJoe Houston sealed the victory with a 29-yard field goal to make it 17-7 with less than two minutes to play.

Despite going up to Peninsula at 5-0, there were still lots of people that thought this would be the Panthers' year to return to dominance over the Mustangs. In 90-degrees weather that was supposed to suck the energy out of the kids from Manhattan Beach and benefit the home team that prided itself on playing physical football, it was the Mustangs defense that may have played one of the best defensive games in it's history, holding a talented offensive team to a total of 83 yards and four first downs and spoiled the Panthers Homecoming game, winning 27-3. After this demonstration, Morrow's Mustangs began to get the recognition it deserved or as the Daily Breeze's Bob Holtzman said in his prep football column; "MIRA COSTA IS IN A CLASS ALL ITS OWN". In the 8th game of the season, it was the Seahawks of Redondo that had their sights set on ending the Mustang win streak – once again, a strong defense led to a 30-6 Mustang victory.

2003-2002

From the first day of spring practice, this team had their sights set on Champion-ships – first the Bay League, then CIF. Head Coach Don Morrow and his veteran coaching corps shared that vision. Led by Ray Lee, defensive coordinator; Chuck Arrasmith, returning after a short absence to handle the offensive line; Matt Craven, special teams; Bill Lysle, linebackers; Scott Whitcomb, running backs; and Jeremy Watkins, quarterbacks; the Mustangs just ran out of time in a squeaker to Sherman Oaks' Notre Dame in the Div. III Championship.

Though disappointed, there was reason to be proud. Thirteen and 1, and for the second year in a row Mira Costa had a perfect 10-0 regular season, then dispatched with Crescenta Valley, St. Paul, and Antelope Valley before falling to Notre Dame in the Championship. Coach Morrow concluded his tenth year at Mira Costa with a 103, 26, 1 record; a tribute to the Coach, the Coaching Staff, and the players over the years.

Michael Okwo again received top honors: All CIF Southern Section Back of the Year, and All CIF Div. III Defensive Player of the Year. Kasey Sitchler was named to CIF 1st Team Defense, and Nick Haley to CIF 1st Team Offense. Junior Tyler Pringle and Seniors Peter Dobush and Gregor IcIver were named CIF 2nd Team.

The Bay League was dominated by Costa players: Michael Okwo, Most Valuable Player; and Kasey Sitchler, Defensive Player of the Year. Junior Andy Oldfield, with Seniors Devin Adair, Jeffrey Carlton, Nick Haley, Matt Baker and Peter Dobush were named All Bay League Offense. Sophomore Justin Reece; Juniors Tyler Pringle, and Brenden Gutierrez joined Seniors Austin Liggett, Gregor McIver, and Robert Ford on the All Bay League Defense.

The last three years the Mustangs have not lost a home game at Waller Stadium; an achievement that requires a team with depth, pride and determination. The seniors on this squad deserve special notice: Hale Atwell, Rocky Ciasulli, Ian Coggeshall, Scott Griesser, and Cadden Utton. Tyler Meick played though plagued with injuries and Erin Flynn broke through this senior year to earn starting time and a special team position. Go Mustangs!

2001-2002

With the departure of last year's talented seniors, this was to be a rebuilding year. But with a large and gifted class of juniors and a senior class that rose to the challenge, the Mustangs went to their first undefeated regular season in the school's history. They were 10-0 in regular season and 12-0 until losing to Hart in the Division III semi-finals.

The nail biter of the year may well have been against Leuzinger. The Olympians scored late in the fourth quarter to narrow the score to 27-24. With 2:52 left to go in the game, the Mustangs went for it on 4th down on their own 27. A yard short, the Olympians took over. With seconds left to go on the clock, first down on their own 3-yard line, the Mustangs held. Then they held again. Twice, from the one yard line, they held until the the clock ran out. To Coach Morrow it was a turning point in the season. It gave this Mustang team the confidence to overcome adversity.

Michael Okwo, Nick Halley, and Kevin Lovell were named to All CIF. Okwo set new rushing and defensive school records and was named All Bay League Most Valuable Player. All Bay League Offensive players were Matt Koppel, Matt Baker, Nick Haley, Devin Adair, Peter Dobush, Kevin Lovell, and Austin Jefferson. Andrew Lyons, Kasey Sitchler, Davis Enos, Tyler Caldwell, Kyle Fukumoto, and Greg Sabo were named to the All Bay League Defensive team. This was another record setting year.