Football coaches like to see how their teams respond to adversity, and the University of San Diego was exposed to some on Saturday. On the road, the Toreros led Davidson by two touchdowns early in the third quarter only to watch the Wildcats even the score.
Rather than wilt and suffer a third straight Pioneer Football League loss, the Toreros steeled themselves and rallied for a 40-28 win in Davidson, N.C.
“It’s great, a relief in a lot of ways,” said USD head coach Brandon Moore by phone. “We still need to improve in a lot of areas, but to be able to win a game (and) watching the players fight through some adversity at the time was great to see.”
USD (4-4, 2-2) took a 31-28 lead with 10:34 to play in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard Emiliano Salazar field goal. After stopping the Wildcats (1-7, 0-4), the Toreros drove 60 yards in eight plays, Dom Nankil connecting with Cole Monach on a 30-yard score to up the lead to 38-28.
A USD safety closed the scoring.
After not playing in the previous game by a coaching staff decision, Nankil (Mater Dei Catholic High School) was sharp, completing 25 of 36 passes for 288 yards and two TDs. He was intercepted once. Monach caught six passes for 113 yards and two TDs.
“The offense finally had a day it could be proud of,” said Moore. “I think Dom did an incredible job spreading the ball around.”
USD rushed for 195 yards with three backs combining for 36 carries for 174 yards.
“It was effective having those three tailbacks,” said Moore. “It was like a three-fisted animal.”
While USD gave up 28 points, the Toreros stopped Davidson on its final two drives, plus compiled four sacks and two interceptions.
Told the 2,397-mile flight home would be enjoyable, Moore said, “The flights in the Pioneer Football League are never nice. But this one will be a little sweeter considering we’re going home winners.”
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