Football: Thomason sparks Eagles in win over Bears

CHICAGO - Philadelphia Eagles tight end Jeff Thomason, a Corona del

Mar High product who missed the month of December with a knee injury,

contributed two key receptions Saturday in the Eagles’ 33-19 victory over

the Chicago Bears in the NFC playoff game at Soldier Field.

Thomason, who hyper-extended a knee Nov. 25 against Washington, caught

an important 9-yard pass from Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb on

fourth-and-1 at the Bears’ 36-yard line late in the first half, keeping a

drive alive as the Eagles (12-5) scored a touchdown three plays later to

take a 13-7 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Thomason caught a 30-yard pass from McNabb over

the middle on third-and-14 at the Chicago 40, setting up another Eagle

touchdown as Philadelphia took the lead for good.

Philadelphia will face the Green Bay-St. Louis winner in the NFC

Championship Game next week. If Green Bay wins today, the Eagles will

play host to the title game. If St. Louis wins, Philadelphia will visit

the Rams.

Thomason, the 1988 Athlete of the Year at CdM, played in two Super

Bowls for the Packers, before coming over to the Eagles last year.

At CdM, Thomason, in addition to his outstanding football career, was

a four-time CIF Southern Section swimming champion in the 50- and

100-yard freestyle events.