Marina soccer team tops Pacifica, continues fast start – Orange County Register

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WESTMINSTER — The Marina football team opened the eyes of several players this offseason with the addition of assistant coach Eric Johnson, the acclaimed defensive coordinator from Mater Dei.

The Vikings’ play on the field is now attracting attention in Orange County.

Shane Cassidy caught two touchdown passes from Garrett Hunnicutt and added an interception on defense to help Marina improve to 4-0 with a 31-7 victory over short-handed Pacifica in a non-league game Thursday at Westminster High.

The Mariners (1-3) played without star David Carlsson (ejected last week), but Marina excelled on both sides of the ball.

Hunnicutt, a three-year starter, passed for a season-high 272 yards and also ran for a touchdown. Cassidy had four receptions for a season-high 164 yards, including touchdowns of 18 and 93 yards.

Marina’s defense, coordinated by Johnson, 72, forced three turnovers and shut out Pacifica in the second half.

“I hope (Orange County) gives us some respect for what we’ve done so far, but we’re not done yet,” Hunnicutt said. “We’ve worked hard and (the start) is everything we wanted. We’re doing well. We just have to keep working hard and not get in our own heads.”

Marina’s focus was reflected in the teams’ so-called “Battle for Springdale St.”

The Vikings led 21-7 at halftime and quickly extended the lead in the third quarter.

Defensive lineman Duk Caldwell recovered a fumble at his 24-yard line that Marina converted into a one-yard TD run by Gabe Carles.

In the fourth quarter, Caiden Scolfield kicked a 32-yard field goal to cap the scoring.

Marina’s defense was led by Aidan Hunt, Jake Russell and Brayden O’Rourke, among others. Shayden Sorochman also had an interception.

“We had a good game, but we want to do better,” said Charlie TeGantvoort, Marina’s coach for the past two years. “We have big goals. I’m very happy and proud that we won, but we want to keep the momentum going. … We want to win a CIF championship, and beyond.”

Marina led 21-7 at halftime, but nearly opened up a three-touchdown lead in the final seconds.

Cassidy intercepted a pass at his 18-yard line late in the second quarter and returned the ball to the Pacifica 17-yard line with 55 seconds left. Pacifica’s defense, however, held on two plays from its 1-yard line to close out the half.

Cassidy delivered a huge first half.

The 6-foot-5 senior ran in an 18-yard touchdown reception from Hunnicutt on third down to open the scoring. The touchdown capped a short drive after the Vikings returned the opening kickoff 78 yards to the Mariners’ 13-yard line.

Hunnicutt extended the lead to 14-0 on a 2-yard touchdown run and then threw a 93-yard touchdown to Cassidy on another strike on third down as Marina led 21-0 after the first quarter.

“(Pacifica) was definitely focused on the run because our backs Gabe (Carles) and (Francis) Saporito were in great shape and our (offensive line) was playing unbelievable,” Hunnicutt said of the Mariners’ passing success.

Pacifica backup quarterback Ethan McLaughlin responded with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Armando Torres early in the second quarter, but the Mariners forced two turnovers to stall the Mariners’ comeback attempt.

Next week, Marina will host Esperanza on September 20 at Westminster High School. Pacifica will play at Walnut on September 20.

Marina and Pacifica will then each take a week off before the championship opens on October 4.