Breakers to take on Beckman

Laguna Beach will face the new Irvine school for the first time Thursday in a league game.Two schools which have never met on the gridiron will do so Thursday when Laguna Beach takes on Beckman of Irvine in a Pacific Coast League game at Tustin High.

Beckman opened its doors in 2004 and is in its first year of playing football at the varsity level.

Laguna, on the other hand, first fielded a team in 1935.

But like two other teams who call the Pacific Coast League home, Laguna coach Jimmy Nolan says that this is a program to keep an eye on.

"They are a future powerhouse, like Northwood and Tesoro have become," he said. "It's a similar situation. It's a great area with great feeder programs, good coaching and tough kids. I am impressed with them."

The Patriots are 2-4 overall heading into tonight's game against defending league champion Tesoro, and are 1-2 in league play.

They picked up their first league victory when they defeated Calvary Chapel of Santa Ana, 37-18, on Oct. 18. Their two losses have come to University, 49-21, and Northwood last Friday, 57-24. Two of Beckman's losses have come by a total of four points.

"I've seen them play a couple times, and they run the ball well," Nolan said. "They have a good running back, the son of famous boxer Mike Tyson. I think they run more than pass."

The Patriots do favor the run, and are led by speedster D'Amato Tyson.

Heading into tonight's game against Tesoro, Tyson brings an average of 8.3 yards per carry. He's scored 13 touchdowns and leads the Patriots in scoring.

When Tyson goes up against Laguna Thursday, he could become a 1,000-yard rusher for the season. The Beckman backfield also has two other key rushers in Kevin Lawson and Jordan Duro.

Laguna, which took on rival Corona del Mar Thursday , finishes its league slate with Beckman, University and Calvary Chapel.

Prior to meeting Corona del Mar, the Breakers opened league play with losses to league heavyweights Tesoro and Northwood.

A fast finish to the regular season could thrust Laguna into the playoff picture.

"We have not earned the right to think about the playoffs," Nolan said. "This team is focused on one game at a time right now, and we need to get this ship sailing in the right direction again. CdM is the so-called third in the line of heavyweights. But after seeing University play, I'd say they are a heavyweight too. Our team needs to play its best game each week. If that happens, we'll start thinking about the playoffs."

Thursday's game against Beckman is the final road game for Laguna, which closes out the regular season with home games against University (Nov. 4) and Calvary Chapel (Nov. 11) at Guyer Field.

Thursday's game against Corona del Mar took place too late for this edition.20051021hmgsgbkfMARK C. DUSTIN / COASTLINE PILOT(LA)Laguna quarterback Alex Wilson gets off a pass with two Costa Mesa defenders closing in Friday night.