Mariner closer to playoff spot

By Morris Malakoff

Herald Writer

EVERETT – The last thing the Mariner Marauders faithful needed was the post-game homecoming fireworks show. They probably got a year’s worth as Mariner, led by Mike Stockl’s outstanding play on both sides of the ball, moved one step closer to a post-season berth with a 47-7 Western Conference South Division win over the Meadowdale Mavericks.

Mariner (6-1 in division, 6-1 overall) drew first blood when Michael Nelson broke through the Meadowdale (2-5, 2-5) defense and sprinted 60 yards to open a 6-0 Mariner lead. The Mavericks’ Alex Blomgren blocked the point after attempt.

One minute later, the Marauders struck again on a 19-yard Mike Stockl run. Jason Sampaga’s point after kick was successful and Mariner had established the winning margin with a 13-0 lead barely half way through the opening period.

Stockl felt he played the most complete game of his waning high school career and is thinking ahead to November and the playoffs.

“We have been thinking post-season since day one,” said the running back-defensive back. “We built our confidence tonight, but coach is keeping us humble. We know we aren’t finished yet.” Mariner has games against Shorecrest and Everett remaining.

Stockl picked off a pass at the 15-yard line to end the first Meadowdale threat of the game. The interception was the first of eight turnovers by Meadowdale, three through the air and five fumbles.

In the second quarter, Stockl broke through the Maverick defense and danced along the left sideline en route to a 79-yard touchdown run, the first of tow scores for the senior staking the Marauders to a 20-0 lead less than three minutes into the quarter.

Five minutes later, Jason Sampaga pulled in a 45-yard pass to set up a 1-yard Steve “Bear” Jones touchdown run.

The Meadowdale offense showed a brief sign of life with a 40-yard Manon Dubois to Matt Davis pass that put the Mavericks in business on the 11-yard line. Davis took the ball across the goal line three plays later from the 1.

The second half was the same song, different verse. Two minutes into the third quarter, Markee Broussard romped 12-yards to run the score to 33-7.

Jones recovered a Maverick fumble on the first play from scrimmage following the kickoff at the 25 yard line.

A 9-yard Matt Ondriezek touchdown run closed out the third quarter and gave the Marauders the final 47-7 lead.