Whittier Christian receiver Noah Evans / SAM GANGWER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

CIF-SS FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS: NORTHWEST DIVISION

First round

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN (7-3) vs. TORRANCE (5-5)
Where, when: Whittier College, Friday, 7 p.m.
Outlook: The Heralds went 4-0 in the Olympic League to win the league title. In five of their 10 games, Whittier Christian scored at least 40 points. Torrance has allowed at least 35 points in four games this season.

Whittier Christian’s success starts with junior quarterback Ryan Esslinger, who completed 211 of 307 passes (68.7 percent) for 2,213 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 515 yards and six touchdowns. JP Marquez (857) and David Fischer (578) did the rest of the heavy lifting in the ground game. That duo combined for 17 touchdowns. Cody Bronkar led all receivers with 66 receptions, 800 yards and eight touchdowns. The Tartars finished third in the Pioneer League, ending the season with a 54-0 loss to North Torrance, which is the fourth seed in the division. Jonathan Heard rushed for 916 yards and 10 touchdowns. Senior defensive lineman Leo Fuimaono has eight sacks.

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