EVERETT — If opponents are looking for a way to slow down Mariner running back KeiVarae Russell, they better hope that he has another upset stomach.
Russell gashed the Cascade defense for 169 yards on 14 carries and two rushing touchdowns and one 49-yard TD reception, as Mariner cruised to a 35-7 Wesco South victory Friday night at Everett Memorial Stadium.
The scary part is Russell stepped on the field only once in the second half.
Russell went to the sidelines in the second half suffering from an upset stomach. The 35-7 halftime score stood the entire way through the second half, as Mariners’ (2-0 league, 4-1 overall) prevent defense did its job to stop Cascade (0-1, 0-5).
Cascade gambled early on, going for a fourth-and-1 in its own territory. A fumble at the quarterback-center exchange stymied the Bruins, giving the ball to Mariner with excellent field position. Mariner began to march, reaching the Cascade 1-yard line from where quarterback Alex Coffman punched it in for an early 7-0 lead with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter.
Cascade began to key on the potent Russell. After attempting to pound the ball up the gut of the Cascade defense, Mariner dialed up a run to give Russell room to operate, as he hit the edge and showcased his speed with a 41-yard touchdown run.
Cascade’s LaQuondis Bruce made a catch to give the Bruins a first down, and, on the next play, LaQuondis Bruce raced 45 yards for a score, hurdling Russell on the way. The play capped an 81-yard, five-play drive and pulled Cascade within a touchdown at 14-7.
In an effort to mix up its offensive attack, Mariner faked to Russell and handed off to running back Kiante Ahmad-Woods for no gain. The play may have Shifted Cascade’s pursuit on the next play, as Russell sprinted to the end zone, scoring from 51 yards out to take a 21-7 lead.
Coffman dived into the end zone from 1 yard out to make it a 28-7 Mariner advantage with 1:17 remaining in the half.
Mariner’s squib kickoff attempt hit one of Cascade’s upbacks and Mariner retained the ball. Russell capitalized, going 49 yards on a screen pass.
At Everett Memorial Stadium
Mariner72800—35
Cascade0700—7
Mariner—Coffman 1 run (Ramirez kick)
Mariner—Russell 41 run (Ramirez kick)
Cascade—LaQuondis Bruce 45 run (Faber kick)
Mariner—Russell 51 run (Ramirez kick)
Mariner—Coffman 1 run (Ramirez kick)
Mariner—Russell 49 pass from Coffman (Ramirez kick)
Records—Mariner 2-0 league, 4-1 overall. Cascade 0-1, 0-5.
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