Torrey Pines gets early gift as Belasco returns with a vengeance

By: DAN HAYES - Staff writer | Saturday, December 3, 2005 12:09 AM PST ∞

CARMEL VALLEY---- Torrey Pines High's Scooter Belasco was in a giving mood this week, and just in time for the holidays. Prior to Thursday's football practice, the senior running back presented head coach Ed Burke with a doctor's note clearing him to play offense ---- he punted in last week's win ---- just 27 days after injuring his right arm against Poway.

In Friday night's CIF Division I semifinal game, Belasco gave his teammates and coaches even more as he scored two touchdowns and put on an all-around show at Falcons Stadium as the Falcons knocked off Vista 24-8 in a rematch of last year's CIF final.

Torrey Pines (11-1) will next play Carlsbad, a 34-0 winner over Bonita Vista, on Dec. 13 at Qualcomm Stadium for the Division I championship.

"I walked up to Coach Burke and said 'All you have to do is smile,' " said Belasco, who ran for a touchdown, caught another, and also had a punt downed at Vista's 3-yard line. "It's great to get back on the field. We won that last (regular season) game against La Costa Canyon, but it was a loss to me because I couldn't contribute. This is a big win."

Said Burke: "He had (the note) folded and cupped in his hands. I didn't just smile, I hugged."

His defense's performance on the field against Vista (9-3-1) was just as pleasing for Burke.

The Falcons forced five turnovers, including four in the first half, and had nine sacks of quarterback Tony Castellano, who started in place of injured senior Loa Madon (shoulder).

The unit also effectively slowed the powerful Vista running game, limiting fullback John Gyves to 45 yards through 3 1/2 quarters of play. Gyves finished with 80 of his team's 117 rushing yards and the team's only touchdown.

"It was just unbelievable," said senior defensive lineman Sam Jacobs. "We practice hard all week and said they're not going to do that to us. All 22 players played great tonight."

The first turnover was costly a one for Vista as the Falcons' Casey Matthews recovered a muffed punt return at his opponents' 8.

Four plays later, Torrey Pines led 3-0 after Bill Bennett's 29-yard field goal.

The Panthers' next drive ended in an interception as Robby Collins ---- who later recovered a fumble ---- had his third pick in the past two games.

"It's a sad game to lose," Vista coach Dan Williams. "It's tough to win with five turnovers. Torrey Pines had a great scheme."

The Falcons also took advantage of early opportunities.

Following Collins' interception, Torrey Pines ended a 70-yard scoring drive when Hunter Wanket hit Belasco for a 31-yard touchdown.

One drive later, Wanket and Connor Bird (88 rushing yards) had runs of 23 and 14 yards. Vista was later called for a personal foul on third-and-21, Belasco added a 10-yard run and Bird eventually scored on a 16-yard TD run.

"That's the 'Black-Shirt' defense over there and we were able to manipulate our way through it," Belasco said.

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at (760) 739-6643 or dhayes@nctimes.com.