DeLucca Helps Marina Beat Oilers, 27-13

Danny DeLucca made two critical plays in the final minutes that helped Marina defeat Huntington Beach, 27-13, in their Sunset League opener Friday at Westminster High.

With 3 minutes 43 seconds left in the game, DeLucca intercepted Huntington Beach quarterback Jonathan Wimbish at the Marina 43-yard line and returned it to the Oilers’ 24. Three plays afterward, DeLucca scored on a 26-yard pass from Travis Anderson.

It was the second score of the night from the DeLucca-Anderson tandem. With 5:38 left in the first quarter, DeLucca gave Marina a 7-6 lead on a 50-yard pass from Anderson. Anderson completed seven of 15 passes for 125 yards.

Huntington Beach started its final drive on its 20. Three plays later, Marina’s Tony Parrish intercepted Wimbish at the Vikings’ 45 and returned it to the Huntington Beach 14 in the final 1:39 of the game.

“We played some great defense,” Marina Coach Dave Thompson said.

“When you intercept the ball (three times), shut down Huntington Beach’s run, and play defense, you are going to win.”

The score was tied, 13-13, at halftime. In the first half, Huntington Beach outgained Marina, 191 yards to 128 yards.

Marina (2-2, 1-0 in league) finished the game with 258 yards total offense while Marina (1-3, 0-1) had 300 yards.

Wimbish completed six of 21 passes for 73 yards and carried 15 times for 100 yards.