PREP EXTRA: SATURDAY FOOTBALL PULLOUT : SUNSET LEAGUE : Cooper’s Early Touchdown Holds Up for Marina

Marina’s Steve Cooper intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter to help the Vikings to a 7-6 victory over Huntington Beach in a Sunset League game Friday at Westminster High.

The victory ended a two-game losing streak for Marina (6-2, 1-2 in league). It was the fourth consecutive loss for Huntington Beach (1-7, 0-3).

Cooper, a linebacker, rushed in on the play, grabbed Huntington Beach quarterback Jason Bartusick’s screen pass and ran to the end zone untouched. The play came with 1 minute 1 second left in the first quarter.

The 7-0 lead held up until Huntington Beach finally scored on Jason Locklin’s three-yard sweep around the right side with 9:08 left in the fourth quarter.

The Oilers lined up for an extra point try, but the play unraveled when Huntington Beach realized it didn’t have the kicking tee.

First, Huntington Beach players ran to the sideline to get the tee, then decided to try the kick without it. But the play was rushed, the snap was bobbled and Marina defenders stopped the conversion attempt.

Huntington Beach had another chance to win the game but Bartusick’s field goal attempt from 42 yards was wide right with 2:49 left. He had missed from 29 yards midway through the third quarter.