HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFF ROUNDUP : DIVISION IX

North Torrance 24, Calabasas 14--Lacy Watkins returned a fourth-quarter kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to help spark North Torrance.

Calabasas (7-4) outrushed host North Torrance (10-1), 256-62, but the Saxons intercepted three passes and recovered a fumble.

The fumble, which occurred only two minutes after Watkins’ kickoff return, was scooped up by North Torrance linebacker Dave Afoa at the Calabasas four-yard line and returned for a touchdown, putting the Saxons ahead, 24-7.

Calabasas trimmed the deficit to 10 points late in the fourth quarter when James Lin scored on a four-yard run. Lin, a tight end, led the Coyotes’ ground game, rushing for 129 yards in seven reverses. Calabasas fullback Steve Malka added 91 yards in 18 carries. Todd Cignarelli completed eight of 20 passes for 70 yards.