Occidental’s Spell Over USD Poses Tough Test in Opener

SAN DIEGO — The University of San Diego, which ended last football season with six straight losses, opens the 1987 season tonight with optimistic players and coaches and a tough opponent.

The Toreros (4-6 last season) play Occidental College at 7:30 in Los Angeles. Occidental (5-3-1 in 1986) beat USD last season, 41-7, and has defeated USD three straight times by a combined score of 96-28.

“I feel that we’ll be ready to play,” said Brian Fogarty, who is in his fifth season as USD coach. “And I feel we’ll have a good year.”

Fogarty said Occidental “is the Division III team everyone has been chasing the last five years. Although they were down a little last year, they return a lot of people (13 starters), and they’ll be a tough opener for us.”

The Toreros, who return 12 starters, will debut a new quarterback, Braulio Castillo, who transferred from San Diego City College.