St. John Bosco Puts Damper on Marina’s Ambitious Plans

Despite losses in the first two weeks of the season, Marina Coach Mark Rehling entered Friday night’s nonleague game against Bellflower St. John Bosco with expectations of upsetting the undefeated Braves. However, the visiting Vikings’ victory prospects were put on hold for another week as St. John Bosco’s offense racked up 449 yards and held off a late Marina rally to win, 38-32, in front of an estimated crowd of 2,500.

Brave running back Eric Ayers scored five first-half touchdowns, propelling St. John Bosco to a 32-18 first-half lead. The junior running back scored on runs of three, three and 55 yards igniting a 25-point second quarter as the Braves earned their second victory of the season. Ayers was also on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Joe Cordova.

Marina rallied with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter but the Braves’ defense tightened and held on for the victory. Despite suffering its third straight loss, the Vikings showed signs of life. Chasom Brown tossed touchdown passes of seven, 10, and 72 yards and Doug Fifita rushed for 153 yards in 21 carries and scored a touchdown. “We’re making progress but were not a polished football team yet, “ Rehling said.