Mira Costa opened their Southern California league season with a 46-19 victory over Dana Hills in the SoCal Varsity White Divison, LA Conference.

Brothers Justus and Jonah Tavai were hugely influential in the game, with Justus, the senior inside center, a physical force with the ball in hand, and running the offense as well, while sophomore No. 8 Jonah created all sorts of havoc.

"Justus makes all of our play calls and has become a leader on the pitch," said Mira Costa Coach Duke Dulgarian. Meanhwile, the younger Jonah has been playing since he was seven years old, bringing an experience to his position most high school players don't have. Both Tavai brothers scored two tries.

Openside flanker Gunnar Kissman put the Dana Hills opposition backs under intense pressure and was very physical in contact, while blindside flanker David Arredondo, Jr. is new to the game and the quarterback on the Mira Costa football team. He has a nose for the tryline, though and notched a try Friday night.

"We are do not have a very big forward pack but they are very athletic," said Dulgarian, whose forwards are led by lock Justin Johnson. "Our backline has some good speed."

Also scoring tries for Mira Costa were wing Kevin Russell and center Makai Elep, both from long range.

Also in the SoCal Varsity White LA Conference are Palos Verdes, St. John Bosco, St. Monica HS, View Park prep, and Wilson HS. However, most are going to start their league season after Christmas. View Park Prep played Wilson HS, but since Wilson could not achieve the minumum percentage of players from one school (75% is the minimum in the Varsity White), it was a forfeit for View Park.