Pacifica Defense Dominates Bell Gardens in 22-3 Victory
Jon Guenther kicked three field goals and Pacifica’s defense forced six turnovers as the Mariners defeated Bell Gardens, 22-3, in a nonleague game Friday night at Bell Gardens Stadium.
Guenther, a 235-pound offensive lineman, kicked field goals of 26, 27 and 27 yards as the Mariners improved their record to 2-0-1. Guenther missed a 45-yard attempt early in the fourth quarter.
The last time these two teams met was 1968, and Bell Gardens ended a 46-game losing streak by defeating Pacifica. This time, the Mariners dominated.
Pacifica’s defense, led by linebacker Ramez Ammari’s two fumble recoveries and Justin Burt’s two interceptions, held the Lancers, who were averaging 27 points a game, to only a third-quarter field goal.
“We had a good swarming defense tonight,” said Mariner Coach Bill Craven, who is in his 22nd year at Pacifica. “I told our kids at halftime that they had to pound it out and keep applying pressure.”
Midway through the second quarter, Mariner running back Frankie Morieda capped a 10-play, 37-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Mariner wide receiver Jason Simpson caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Reis.
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