Toilers Up and Running : Prep football: Manual Arts adds rushing attack to passing game for 34-16 victory over Grant.

The Manual Arts High football team had a strong passing game last season, but the Toilers’ rushing game was missing.

The Toilers might have found it in a 34-16 season-opening victory over Van Nuys Grant Friday afternoon at Grant.

Senior Pompeii Thompson, playing his first game for Manual Arts, rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns in only six carries and the Toilers finished with 215 yards rushing.

With his team trailing, 2-0, early in the second quarter, Thompson broke loose on a 58-yard touchdown run that gave the Toilers a lead they did not relinquish.

Early in the fourth quarter, with Manual Arts clinging to a 21-16 advantage, Thompson gave his team breathing room with an 88-yard touchdown run.

Thompson’s performance was welcome relief for Manual Arts Coach Glenn Bell.

“One thing we definitely want to do this year is play with more balance on offense,” Bell said. “That’s the type of balance we were hoping for.”

It was business as usual for the Manual Arts passing attack.

Quarterback Marco Acietuno, who passed for 28 touchdowns last season when the Toilers reached the City Section’s Division semifinals, completed 16 of 22 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns.

His favorite target was wide receiver George Gillett who had six catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns.

Gillett’s final touchdown, which came on a 45-yard pass play from Acietuno, gave the Toilers a 34-16 lead with 3:12 remaining.

“We’ve got to throw to him as often as possible,” Bell said. “If you’ve got a cannon, you’ve got to shoot it as often as you can.”

Manual Arts finished with 443 yards, Grant 274.

Grant was led by running back Perry Clayton, who gained 117 yards and scored a touchdown in 13 carries.

Grant quarterback Alfonso Estrada completed 11 of 24 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown with one interception.