San Diego Toreros
Pioneer
San Diego dominated the Pioneer Football League this year and is heading back to the playoffs for the second time in three years. The Toreros boast a strong defense that will keep them in games against tougher competition, but this team has not been tested much this season. In their lone game against a playoff caliber opponent, San Diego lost to Cal Poly 36-18.
2016 Record: 9-1, 8-0
Coach: Dale Lindsey
Big Wins: 9/24 Dayton (34-22), 10/15 at Drake (38-7)
Bad Losses: 9/10 at Cal Poly (18-36)
Strengths:
San Diego led the Pioneer in just about every defensive category. Most Pioneer opposition was lucky to get a touchdown against the San Diego defense. Jonathan Petersen and Jalen Smith are the team’s main pass rushing threats and lead a talented group of linemen. Those two can cause plenty of havoc in the opposing backfield. And that certainly helps Devyn Bryant, Ray Clark and Colton Giorgi in the secondary. The unit does not create many turnovers, but they are a tough group to throw against on a consistent basis.
Weaknesses:
Anthony Lawrence followed up his efficient freshman campaign with another very good sophomore season. On the year he threw for 2,515 yards and 22 touchdowns with just five interceptions. Lawrence can make some big throws and he will need to do that if San Diego wants to pull off an upset in the playoffs. Ross Dwelley and Brian Riley are the team’s top receiving threats. Dwelley leads the team in receptions, but Riley is the big play threat and Lawrence will need to find him down the field a few times in order to keep the opposition honest. That would open up space for running back Jonah Hodges too and San Diego must maintain a balanced offense if they hope to compete for a win in the playoffs.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Jonah Hodges, RB, 1,190 yards
Passing: Anthony Lawrence, QB, 2,515 yards
Receiving: Brian Riley, WR, 858 yards
Tackles: Colton Giorgi, S, 53
Sacks: Jonathan Petersen, DE, 11.5
Interceptions: Jamal Agnew, CB, 2; Devyn Bryant, CB, 2
2016 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 177.7 (35th in nation, 4th in conference)
Passing Offense: 276.8 (16, 3)
Total Offense: 454.4 (16, 1)
Scoring Offense: 36.6 (13, 1)
Rushing Defense: 86.1 (7, 1)
Pass Defense: 162.3 (7, 1)
Total Defense: 284.4 (2, 1)
Scoring Defense: 11.1 (1, 1)
Turnover Margin: -0.11 (66, 7)
Sacks: 2.56 (26, 1)
Sacks Allowed: 0.22 (2, 1)
Recent Playoff Appearances:
2014 First Round Lost to Montana
*all team stats through 11/12
