Pacifica Keeps Coming Back to Win, 27-24

Pacifica rallied three times Thursday night against visiting Huntington Beach, and the third time was the charm as the Mariners beat the Oilers, 27-24, at Bolsa Grande High.

Pacifica (1-0-1) outgained the Oilers, 317-158, but Huntington Beach made the most of its opportunities. Huntington Beach’s four scoring drives totaled eight plays.

A blocked punt and a 33-yard Kyle Mann interception return set up two touchdowns and helped the Oilers build a 14-7 lead.

Pacifica tied the score with 13 seconds left in the half as Matt Reis hooked up with Jon Dorenbos for a 13-yard score. But the Oilers got a huge break on the closing play of the half.

Damon Van Hoorebeke broke a 31-yard run as time ran out, and a Pacifica penalty kept the half alive. Brent Chancellor kicked a 38-yard field goal for a 17-14 lead.

The Mariners took control in the second half, sandwiching Jon Guenther field goals of 22 and 41 yards around a 27-yard touchdown run by Reis to build a 27-17 lead. Huntington Beach closed the gap to 27-24 with 2:24 left. Lineberger found Chancellor alone down the right sideline for a 61-yard scoring play, but Pacifica recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

Reis passed for 125 yards and scrambled for three first downs playing for the injured Brent Kirkland (fractured finger). Frankie Moreida rushed for 74 yards and Louie Ala gained 72 for the Mariners.