Defensive stands helps Mariner win

By Joe Johnson

Herald Writer

EVERETT – As September draws to a close, the football playoff race in the Western Conference South is just beginning to hit high gear.

Jackson traveled to face Mariner Friday night in a game that could prove critical to both team’s playoff chances, and it was Mariner that emerged from an offensive shootout with a 35-33 victory over the Timberwolves.

With the win, Mariner draws into a second-place tie with Jackson and Shorecrest, all three teams nowhave 3-1 records.

Mariner raced out to a 21-point lead in the first half, only to have Jackson claw back to within two with 6:44 left in the game.

Behind 35-20 going into the fourth quarter, Jackson got two touchdown passes from quarterback Jason Morris to get right back in the game. The passes covered 9 yards to James Hayton and 6 to Craig Chambers. After a failed conversion following the second score, Jackson was behind 35-33 with plenty of time remaining.

Mariner’s Michael Nelson fumbled on the Marauders’ ensuing possession, and Jackson recovered the ball at the Mariner 33-yard line with just under six minutes remaining.

The Mariner defense then stiffened, and aided by an offensive pass interference call against the Timberwolves, turned back Jackson’s opportunity to take the lead. Jackson turned the ball over on downs with 2:48 left to play and Mariner was able to run out the clock.

Mariner coach John Ondriezek credited his defense with the crucial stop of the game.

“We told them going into the last series after the turnover that we had to step up and make the plays,” he said, “And they did. It was a gutsy performance by Jackson to get back in it, but I’m proud of how our kids and coaches came through and executed. It was a hard-fought win, and both teams deserve a lot of credit for their effort.”

The Marauders wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, dipping into their trick-play bag on the first play from scrimmage. Running back Markee Broussard and wideout Jason Sampaga executed the halfback pass to perfection, resulting in a 77-yard touchdown play to put Mariner ahead 7-0 just 16 seconds into the game.

Mariner’s next drive was as methodical as its first was flashy. The Marauders put together an 11-play, 92-yard drive capped by Michael Nelson’s 18-yard touchdown run to increase their lead to 14-0.

Jackson responded with a 65-yard drive of its own, highlighted by Morris’ 55 yards rushing. C.J. Marsh scored on a 11-yard run to get the Timberwolves within seven with 3:05 left in the first quarter.

But Mariner came back to stretch its lead in the second quarter. Steve Jones, a 5-foot-7, 255-pound fullback, scored on bruising runs of 36 and 1 yards to help Mariner open up a 28-7 lead with 4:55 remaining in the first half.

Facing a three-touchdown deficit, Jackson hung tough, and Morris scored from 3 yards out with just over a minute remaining in the second quarter to make the score 28-14 Mariner.

After the teams traded turnovers to start the second half, Jackson caught a break to get its next score. On second and long, Morris passed to Marsh for a 26-yard gain, but Marsh fumbled the ball. Jackson’s Mardele Robertson was Johnny-on-the-spot, however, scooping up the loose ball and dashing 30 yards for the score. The conversion run was stopped short and Mariner led 28-20.

Mariner again went to Jones, who came through with his third score on a 5-yard run to put Mariner up 35-20 with 2:41 left in the third quarter.

The Mariner offense rolled up an impressive 327 yards on the ground, led by Broussard’s 120 yards on 13 carries. Morris paced Jackson with 105 yards rushing and 94 yards passing.