The Channel Islands High boys' soccer team is dancing. Free of charge.

Junior winger David Torres scored a hat trick as the host Raiders rolled past Santiago of Garden Grove, 4-1, in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division IV playoffs Friday afternoon at Benefield Stadium.

That night, school officials celebrated "Big Dance" success by welcoming the players into the school's dance for free.

"We could have scored more goals," said coach Rogelio Juarez, whose team outscored opponents 54-11 during the regular season. "But this is CIF. Those guys (Santiago) came here to win. The thing that made the biggest difference is our depth."

Channel Islands (15-2-1) will face North Torrance, the Pioneer League champion, in the second round Tuesday.

Despite the scoreline, Channel Islands was under pressure when Homer Martinez's deflected free kick a minute into the second half pulled the visitors within 2-1.

"When they scored," said Torres, "I thought it would get complicated."

Instead, the Raiders roared to life impressively. Channel Islands created no less than 12 glorious chances in the 15-minute span that made up the meat of the second half.

Luis Hernandez flashed a shot over from a tight angle. Jesus Landeros lashed a free kick just over the crossbar. Ivan Sanchez nearly stretched to get on the end of Landeros' curling free kick in the penalty area.

The choruses of "oohs" and "ahhs" from the home fans grew louder with every close miss.

On the other side of the field, Channel Islands goalkeeper Edgar "Mogley" Cruz made up a lonely figure for the long stretch of play.

"I was bored," said Cruz. "I didn't have anything to do."

Torres finally decided ended the drama with 12 minutes to play, taking a pass from striker Rodrigo Marron along the left sideline, beating Santiago's left fullback and cutting inside the central defender to drive a low shot through the goalkeeper.

It was the highlight of the hat trick and the goalscorer's favorite.

"Of course," said Torres. "I took the first defender, took on the second defender and just shot it."

And the match was decided. Four minutes later, sophomore David Ramirez capitalized on a defensive mistake to push the lead to 4-1.

"It was a game," said Torres, "but we did what he had to do."

Torres scored twice in the first 20 minutes to give the Raiders a 2-0 stranglehold. He opened the scoring by taking a pass from junior midfielder Jesus Landeros along the left sideline before dribbling in on goal and ripped high shot into the back of the net.

He doubled Channel Islands lead off a corner kick 10 minutes later, volleying home a rebound inside the 18-yard box.

"I wish I could have 11 players like him," said Juarez.