• Recap
• Bleachers

Chargers capitalize on struggles by 49ers QB Smith

Aug 31, 2007 - 5:30 AM By Jamie McConeghy PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN DIEGO (Ticker) - The San Diego Chargers spoiled Alex Smith's return to Southern California.

The Chargers' defense forced four turnovers in the first half, including two by Smith, en route to a 16-13 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the final preseason game for both teams.

The game marked a return to San Diego for Smith, who played his prep ball at nearby Helix High School and later went on to become the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Both of Smith's turnovers - a first-quarter interception by Clinton Hart and a second-quarter fumble that was recovered by Jacques Cesaire - led to Nate Kaeding field goals (29 and 22 yards).

Smith completed just 3-of-8 passes for 23 yards.

Starters LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Eric Parker all sat out for the Chargers (3-1), while the 49ers (1-3) rested Frank Gore, Darrell Jackson, Larry Allen and backup quarterback Trent Dilfer among others.

Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, who is listed as third on the depth chart, got the bulk of the playing time for San Diego. He was 7-for-14 for 76 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown pass to rookie Craig "Buster" Davis.

Billy Volek got the start for the Chargers and completed 5-of-10 passes for 38 yards.

San Francisco committed six turnovers in the game with three coming off Shaun Hill interceptions. Hill finished 14-for-29 for 124 yards with a 21-yard touchdown strike to Zach Hilton in the fourth quarter.

Niners running back Thomas Clayton led all rushers with 84 yards on 14 carries, while teammate Arkee Whitlock carried nine times for 54 yards.

Joe Nedney nailed two field goals (28 and 21 yards) for San Francisco. Kaeding made a 29-yarder in the fourth to round out the scoring.

Both teams open up the regular season at home. The Chargers host Chicago on September 9, while the 49ers meet Arizona in the Monday Night game on September 10.