PREP EXTRA / SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : Kennedy Takes Care of Walnut

After jumping out to a 21-0 lead with 2 minutes 31 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Kennedy had to hold on to hand Walnut its first loss of the season, 21-14, Friday at Walnut High.

Charlie Marino, playing his first game in two years at wide receiver, accounted for all of Kennedy’s points, scoring three touchdowns and kicking three extra points.

On the second play of the game, Marino caught a Jason Myles pass for a 45-yard touchdown.

On Kennedy’s second and third possessions, Marino scored on a one-yard run and a 46-yard screen pass from Myles to put the Fighting Irish (4-1) up, 21-0.

Walnut (4-1) scored its points in the second quarter.

With 5:08 remaining in the game, Walnut had a final chance to score when Kennedy was forced to punt. Walnut’s Asanti Danzie signaled for a fair catch at the Mustang 39-yard line, but the ball bounced off his face mask and was recovered by Kennedy’s Jon Clasen.

Kennedy Coach Mitch Olson said he decided to start Marino, primarily a running back, at wide receiver due to an arm injury he suffered in last week’s game. Olson said he would return Marino to running back next week in the Empire League opener against Katella.

Marino said he won’t complain.

“(Playing wide receiver) is fun and all, but there’s just not as much action,” Marino said.

Marino caught five passes for 160 yards. Myles completed five of eight passes for 123.