Nov. 25, 2003
McGarry earns his first PFL North "Coach of the Year" citation after leading the Toreros to a 5-5 mark that included a 3-1 divisional record and second-place PFL finish, USD's best league finish since an identical mark in 1997. This season, the Toreros led the league in offensive pass efficiency (158.72 rating) and finished third in passing offense (278.1 ypg).
"I'm honored and really feel happy for our staff," said Torero coach Kevin McGarry. "They did an outstanding job all season and are equally deserving of the honor and recognition."
The PFL North "Player of the Year" honors were again dominated by Dayton as senior QB Kelly Spiker was named the division's "Offensive Player of the Year," and UD senior safety Mark Kasmer earned the division's "Defensive Player of the Year" honor. The Toreros also had nine players represented on the 2002 Pioneer Football League All-Conference Team which was released on November 21st; the All-PFL team is selected by the head coaches.
Torero senior center Justin Dixon (Orange County, CA) was named to the First Team for offense for the third consecutive season. He was joined on the offensive First Team by sophomore wide receiver Michael Gasperson (Monterey, CA) who led the Toreros with 57 receptions for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns. USD also had two players earn First Team honors on the defensive side of the ball - junior linebacker Andy Guzenski (Granite Bay, CA), who led the team with 90 tackles, and senior corner back Wesley Morgan (San Jose, CA), a four-year starter who was the team's top defensive back.
Five Toreros were recognized as Honorable Mention All-PFL - junior quarterback Eric Rasmussen (Sacramento, CA), who led I-AA in passing efficiency (164.2 rating), completed 170-of-279 passes for 2,470 yards, 25 touchdowns and just one interception; senior running back Kenneth Villalobos (Moreno Valley, CA), who led the Torero ground attack with 618 yards rushing and 6 TDs; junior offensive lineman Ariel Bellofiore (Pasadena, CA); sophomore offensive lineman Keith Zapalac (Sealy, TX); and junior return specialist Gavin Ng (Mililani, HI), who averaged 9.2 yards per punt return and 22.1 yards per kickoff return.
