Eastlake upsets top-seeded Westview, advances in Division 4 playoffs

In the postseason, you need your stars to rise to the occasion.

Eastlake’s stars met the moment time and time again. Led by quarterback Tyler Balko and running back David Branco, the No. 5 seed Titans toppled the No. 1 seed Westview Wolverines, 21-17.Clinching their spot in the CIF San Diego Section Division 4 title game.

“We’ve seen the ups and downs and dealt with the adversity all season, but these guys havegotten it rolling at the right time,” said Eastlake coach Jose Mendoza.

Eastlake’s rushing attack, as it so often has this season, set the tone for its offense. On their second possession of the night, the Titans marched down the field on a 14-play 85-yard scoring drive, capped by a nine-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Tyler Balko.

“Our mindset this whole playoffs has been win no matter what,” said Balko.

Westview, though, soon responded. Going for it on a 4th-and-11 from the Titans’ 39-yard line, Matthew Guimond hit Miles Miranda for a 39-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 7-7.

Eastlake turned to their bell-cow, running back David Branco. Branco led a quick scoring drive for Eastlake, highlighted by a 38-yard dash to put the Titans in a goal-to-go situation.

Two plays later, he punched it in from three yards out, handing Eastlake the 14-10 lead at thehalf.

“I just love hitting somebody and putting my body out there,” said Eastlake running back David Branco. “My running style is just to play super hard and run like a madman.”

Westview’s attack found its rhythm in the third quarter.  With three minutes to play in the third, Guimond connected on his second passing touchdown of the night. Hitting Joshua Haney on a shallow crosser for a nine-yard touchdown and giving Westview a 17-14 lead.

Facing a three-point deficit entering the fourth, Eastlake didn’t blink. On the Titans’ ensuing drive, the team orchestrated what eventually proved to be a game-winning drive.

The seven-play, 68-yard drive featured seven key moments — none bigger than Branco’s4th-and-7 conversion on a fake punt from the Westview 49-yard line. The gutsy play callpicked up 14 yards and the first down to extend the drive.

“That’s his play,” laughed Mendoza, “He wants to run in every time, but I tell him you have tosurprise them. And there, he surprised everybody.”

Three plays later, Balko called his own number yet again, scampering into the end zone from 24 yards out and putting Eastlake ahead 21-17.