Game 9
November 5, 1993 At S
Saddleback College

Eagles 21 - Tustin 16
For the second straight week the Eagles had a big first half, but against Tustin they barely had enough to survive.

After taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdowns by Chris Collins and Brad Finneran, the Eagles allowed Tustin to get back in the game.

The Tillers scored on a long pass play to cut the lead to 14-6, but the Eagles reponded before the half.

Derek Yankoff hit Ruben Vaughn on a five-yard pass near the end of the half to give the Eagles a 21-6 lead.

Unfortunately, the offense again was unable to put any points on the board after the break.

Defensively, the Eagles played well, but were asked to shut down the Tillers option attack.

Tustin cut the margin to 21-13 on Jon Lauderdale's 4-yard run in the third quarter.

They added a field goal in the fourth quarter to pull within five points, and suddenly the game and the season were in danger for the Eagles.

With only eight seconds left in the game, Brain Finneran deflected a pass in the back of the end zone to keep the playoff hopes alive.

Offensively, Chris Collins had 154 yards on 21 carries to spark the Eagles. SM had 11 first downs in the first half and could only manage one after that.

The win set up a showdown with Newport Harbor in the final week of league play.

The winner would earn an automatic playoff spot as the third place team, while the loser would have to wait and hope for a wild card spot.

Tustin....................................06..00..07..03--16
Santa Margarita..................14..07..00..00--21

SM-Collins 9 run(Korinke kick)
SM-Brad Finneran 26 pass from Yankoff(Korinke kick)
Tus-Halloway 64 pass from Wilson(kick failed)
SM-Vaughn 5 pass from Yankoff(Korinke kick)
Tus-Lauderdale 2 run(Mathews kick)
Tus-Mathews 23 FG

Leading Rushers-Collins 21-154, Yankoff 6-34
Leading Passers-Yankoff 6-16-1, 69, .375%, 2 TD
Leading Receivers-Brad Finneran 3-53, Brian Finneran 1-14
Defense: Brian Finneran 14 tackles; Glover 11 tackles; Vaughn 7 tackles, 1 int; Younce 8 tackles, 1 int; Brad Finneran 10 tackles.

Matt Younce had his first interception of the year as well as 8 tackles.