Pacifica’s Five Backup Backs Combine to Defeat Kennedy

Pacifica used five different running backs to defeat Kennedy, 17-6, in a Garden Grove League game Thursday night at Bolsa Grande High School.

The Mariners, who lost starting tailback Dereck Nicholson last week with a broken leg, were forced to change their lineup again when Nicholson’s brother and replacement, Jeremy, was suspended from the team for disciplinary reasons Wednesday.

Matagi Ala and Mike Way each scored on one-yard runs to pace the Mariner offense. Pacifica improved to 3-2, 1-1 in league.

Ala’s score came on a burst up the middle in the first quarter to cap an 11-play, 75-yard drive. David Anderson kicked a 29-yard field goal to give the Mariners a 10-0 halftime lead.

Kennedy (1-3, 0-2) took the second-half kickoff and drove 58 yards in nine plays for a touchdown. Quarterback John Guthrie connected with Ray Mobley from four yards out to cut the deficit to 10-6. The extra-point attempt was missed.

Way, who finished with 42 yards in 12 carries, closed out the scoring with 3 minutes 50 seconds to play in the third quarter.