Samohi Eyes School's First Football Playoff Win Since '87

By Mitch Chortkoff

Santa Monica High clinched a berth in the CIF football playoffs with a come-from-behind 21-20 victory over South Torrance at Corsair Field Friday night.

The Vikings (8-2 overall) will be the third place team from the Ocean League and will probably play their first round game this Friday on the road. But Coach Norm Lacy has established a goal of getting a home game.

Samohi didn't win a playoff game in the '90s. The last time the team qualified was in 1996, when the Vikings were coached by Dan Escalara, now an assistant at Cal State Northridge.

Samohi hasn't won a football playoff game since 1987, when it defeated Dominguez, 28-0.

``A goal is to bring a playoff game to our home field at Santa Monica College,'' said Lacy.

That will likely happen in the second round if Samohi gets past its opener. The opponent and site should be known by Monday.

Samohi was in danger of losing its final regular season game, a development that might have ruined its playoff chances. But quarterback James Cooper wouldn't let it happen.

With South Torrance ahead, 20-14, Cooper bounced off several tacklers and broke loose around right end for a 59-yard touchdown with seven minutes remaining. Samohi then stopped South Torrance and was driving toward another TD when the game ended.

``I stayed low and kept spinning,'' said Cooper. ``They tried to arm-tackle me.''

Lacy said the winning play was installed during the week.

``It was a quarterback trap,'' he said. ``We added it to our game plan instead of having James run an option. He's an excellent passer but has a lot of running ability too.''

South Torrance, also hoping to gain third place in the league, held a 10-7 halftime lead and extended it to 17-7 in the third quarter. A 43-yard pass from Cooper to running back Derrick Davis set up Davis' five-yard scoring run later in the period, reducing the deficit to 17-14.

But South Torrance kicked a 35-yard field goal early in the fourth. There was 9:34 left and Samohi faced the most important nine minutes of its season.

When Cooper broke loose the large home crowd shouted its approval.

Lacy cited several reasons why the team bounced back so dramatically from a 2-8 showing last season.

``Derrick Davis has had a great season as our tailback with 1,700 yards,'' said Lacy. ``We found some new players on defense and they played well. There are four sophomores on the unit doing a good job. We found a fullback in Jesus Valdivinos.''

As the team gathered following its victory the players were told by assistant Sam Anno that the playoffs are a new season.

``New season, new season,'' they chanted.