PREP FOOTBALL : Servite Takes 28-9 Win Over Marina

Marina High School started strong but countless mistakes did the Vikings in as Servite claimed a 28-9 nonleague victory at Westminster Friday night in front of 3,000 fans.

Marina’s game film will show fumbles, penalties and other mistakes on offense, and missed assignments and loose coverage on defense. In addition, there were snaps from center that went over the punter’s head and punt returns that returned the ball to Servite.

In spite of Friday’s bad outing, there is still hope for the Vikings (0-2). Marina started strong, taking an early 2-0 lead courtesy of linebacker Bob Jeffries’ blocked Servite punt that sailed out of the end zone.

That lead was short-lived, however, as Servite’s patient and consistent offense went to work. It scored three touchdowns and a field goal in the second quarter to take a 22-2 halftime lead.

Servite’s first score came on a three-yard run by Eric Brown, whose touchdown at 8:41 of the second quarter capped a 74-yard, 5-play scoring drive. The key gain in the drive was a 27-yard run by Derek Brown that moved the ball into Marina territory.

The Friars scored again on their next possession, with the touchdown coming on a seven-yard scoring pass from quarterback Jason Messersmith to flanker Nick-John Haiduc. Marina’s first two extra-point attempts failed, however, giving them a 12-2 lead at that point.

Servite’s stubborn defense then forced Marina to punt after three plays, and following a short punt, the Friars took over on Marina’s 34-yard line with 2:29 to play.

Four plays later, Servite scored its third touchdown before the half. Derek Brown scored on a seven-yard touchdown run in a game where he would lead all rushers with 93 yards in 17 carries.

It looked as if the teams would go into halftime with the score 19-3, but another generous Marina fumble gave Servite a chance to score again. Servite’s Pat Blottiaux kicked a 47-yard field goal making it 22-2.

A one-yard run by Servite’s Eric Brown made the score 28-2 early in the second half. Marina managed to score its first touchdown of the season with 45 seconds to play in the game on a three-yard run by Marcus Carles.

Servite ran its record to 2-0. Marina, which was shut out by Esperanza last week, plays Foothill next week.