CAN HART BEAT AGAIN? MIRA COSTA STANDS IN WAY.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Hart High beat Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach by 23 points in last year's Southern Section Division III football championship. So when the teams reconvene at 7:30 tonight at El Camino College in Torrance in the semifinals, the obvious question is: Will things go any differently this time?

Both teams appear similar to the way they were last year, all the way down to their sparkling records - Hart is 11-0 and the Mustangs are 12-0.

Hart still relies on its high-powered passing offense, with UCLA-bound quarterback Matt Moore proving a capable replacement for the star of last year's game, Kyle Matter (now at Stanford). Meanwhile, Mira Costa's primary weapon, running back Michael Okwo, is back and once again as the focal point.

Moore enjoyed what might have been the best performance of his career last week. He completed 20 of 29 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns, and added 49 yards rushing as the Indians overpowered Antelope Valley by 29 points in the quarterfinals. Okwo extended to 12 this season's string of 100-yard performances by rushing for 162 yards and a touchdown in 27 carries as Mira Costa eliminated St. Francis of La Canada.

So, whichever team controls the pace should win tonight, right? Not necessarily, according to Mira Costa coach Don Morrow.

``Actually, we're concerned about Hart's running game, too,'' Morrow said. ``If you look back, they're really been at their best this season when the running game's been working for them, too.''

Morrow has a point. The victory over Antelope Valley might have been Hart's best overall performance, not just Moore's best night. Mickey Mercado rushed for a season-high 134 yards and scored three touchdowns, and Hart amassed more than 200 of its 547 total yards on the ground.

Either way, Okwo comes into play. He's an all-state-candidate linebacker who has more than 100 tackles, and his responsibilities as a defender might be as important as his contributions at running back.

Okwo might be due for a big game. Last year, he put together five 200- yard rushing performances during the second half of the season; he has none this year.

Then again, Mira Costa's offensive line isn't as big this season.

``Michael's had to get more yards on his own,'' Morrow said. ``Plus, we haven't been giving him the ball quite as much to give him a little break.''

If the Indians continue doing what they've been doing, they should win this game going away. They're ranked fourth in the state, they've won three titles in a row and historically they have peaked in the playoffs.

Throw in the fact Hart's second-leading receiver, Julian Lewis, is back after five weeks out because of an injury, and Hart is as clear a favorite as any team can be in a matchup featuring two undefeated teams.

HART vs. MIRA COSTA

What: Southern Section Division III semifinals

When: Tonight, 7:30

Where: El Camino College in Torrance

TV: Fox Sports Net 2

Records: Hart 11-0; Mira Costa 12-0

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Keith Howell, left, is one of Hart quarterback Matt Moore's many weapons at wide receiver.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

Box:

HART vs. MIRA COSTA (see text)