PREP FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS / CENTRAL CONFERENCE : Tustin Holds On to Edge Fullerton, 9-6

In a penalty-marred game, Tustin survived a final drive by Fullerton to defeat the Indians, 9-6, Friday night in a first-round Central Conference playoff game at Fullerton District Stadium.

Jason Lavin’s 23-yard field goal with 4:16 remaining in the third quarter turned out to be the game-winner for the Tillers (7-3-1). Kevin Jurkowski sealed the victory with 20 seconds to play when he intercepted a Fullerton pass with the Indians inside the Tiller 10-yard line.

Fullerton (3-8) outgained Tustin, 280-229, but also had more penalty yards, 101-90. The officials called 23 penalties between the two.

Collin Milligan kicked field goals of 37 and 45 yards in the first half for Fullerton. Tustin tied the score with 6:16 left in the first half when quarterback George Menges completed a 68-yard touchdown pass play to Lani Machado. The kick failed.

On the winning 55-yard drive, the Tillers moved to the Fullerton six before they were stalled by a holding penalty and Lavin connected on his field goal.

Tustin will meet Anaheim next Friday.