HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL / CITY PLAYOFFS : Marshall Plans Awry in Loss to Garfield

Before his team’s City Section Division 4-A quarterfinal game against Garfield, Marshall Coach Ken Gerard said he watched tape of all of the Bulldogs’ regular-season games. He added that he knew if the Barristers were to have a chance to win, they would have to control Garfield’s running game.

Well, Marshall (9-3) wasn’t up to the task Wednesday night. Garfield’s offensive line overpowered Marshall, paving the way for 195 rushing yards in a 17-7 victory at Wilson High.

Junior tailback Armando Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 142 yards in 28 carries, despite being hampered by a leg injury.

Garfield (8-4) showed its strength on the opening drive, taking the ball 66 yards on three plays and scoring on Ernie Manzo’s 17-yard run early in the first quarter.

Marshall started the game by throwing, but quarterback Shane Gerard’s first attempt was intercepted by Louie Sandoval, who scooped up a pass tipped by teammate Anthony Lopez.

The Barristers, held to 45 yards in the first half, put together two time-consuming drives in the third quarter that proved to be their best defense against Garfield’s running attack.

Gerard moved Marshall 59 yards in 11 plays, scoring on a one-yard run on the second play of the fourth quarter.

Garfield countered with its own lengthy drive, going 74 yards in 17 plays. Quarterback David Villalobos connected with wide receiver George Contreras on a one-yard pass late in the game to seal the victory.

“These guys have shown a lot of improvement,” said Steve Robinson, Garfield’s coach. “How much? Enough to beat Marshall and enough to beat Banning (in last week’s first-round game).”

Marshall Coach Ken Gerard announced his retirement after the game.