The Mira Costa Mustangs advanced in Southern California’s Varsity White Division playoffs after they beat HTH/Pt. Loma Saturday in Pt. Loma.

HTH controlled the early possessions and playing the first 10 minutes in the Costa half of the pitch. Point Loma opened the scoring with a 30-meter penalty kick. The Mustangs finally got underway as their pack gained possession, and then freshman sensation No. 8 Jonah Tavai took a feed from scrumhalf Harrison Dulgarian and showed in his use of his support how good a player he is. Tavai powered ahead for 20 meters and then offloaded to hooker Juwan Johnson, who then took the ball for a 25 meter gallop. Johnson was tackled but found inside center Justus Tavai, who scored the try of the game.

The Aztecs twice more took advantage of Costa penalties deep in the Costa half of the field and with the wind at their back they booted two more long-distance penalty kicks.  The Mustangs again responded, this time with Johnson exploding for 65 meters to make it 10-9 Mustangs.  

HTH pinned Mira Costa in their own end, and a loose ball bounced into Aztec hands for a try and a 16-10 HTH/Pt. Loma lead.

Just before the halftime whistle the Mustangs came up with a well-taken try from Justus Tavai, and with Isaiah Leilua’s conversion Costa led 17-16.

In the second half, Mira Costa looked a different team, ramping up the physicality. Sophomore wing Kevin Russell, making the first start of his high school rugby career, took a beautiful pass from Isaiah Leilua at pace and beat his defender to the flag.

Costa once again gained possession and this time it was the  Johnson scoring.  Justus Tavai followed that up with a try and then Johnson went 85 ethers. Using his forwards for support, Johnson again found paydirt, this time from 23 meters out.

The play of the match might have come from Costa outside center Tre Searcy, who made a spectacular play in scoring from 68 meters out.  Searcy broke four tackles before finally sprinting away from the last defender for the score.

Mira Costa improved to 6-1-1 and move on to the semis against St. John Bosco, winners over Citrus Valley. St. John and Mira Costa tied 26-26 earlier in the season.