Sophomore quarterback Mason Mills, a Coronado High School graduate, passed for 402 yards and four touchdowns in leading the USD Toreros to an exciting 42-40 victory over the Azusa Pacific Cougars Saturday. 

For his outstanding play he was honored as this week’s Pioneer Football League offensive player of the week.

Heading into the final period the Toreros found themselves trailing 19-15, but went on to outscore the Cougars 27 to 21. 

Mills threw three TD passes in the fourth quarter — a 59-yard pass to running back Kenny James; a 6-yarder to split end Sam Hoekstra (on fourth-and-goal); and a 35-yarder to tight end Kyle Lokanc.

The fourth Toreros score came on a 15-yard interception return by USD senior defensive end Mario Kurn.  For the final quarter Mills was 8-of-13 for 173 yards and 3 scores.

“Mason did a nice job of managing our offense,” said head coach Ron Caragher. “He took his shots when they were there.”

For the game Mills completed 27-of-42 passes for 402 yards.  The 402 yards passing yards ranks sixth all-time among Torero quarterbacks. 

He was just one of two FCS quarterbacks to pass for more than 400 yards over the opening week of play.  In the first quarter he connected with senior wide receiver John McGough for a 59-yard TD and eventual 12-0 early lead.

This week the Toreros (1-0) have their home opener at 6 p.m. Saturday when they host Western New Mexico University (1-0).

From University of San Diego news release.