Mariner runs to playoff berth

By Chris Trujillo

Herald Writer

SHORELINE – There was nothing subtle or mysterious about the Mariner Marauders’ offensive strategy entering Friday’s showdown against Western Conference South Division foe Shorecrest.

With a constant rain falling, the Marauders relied on their punishing running attack to lead them to their seventh consecutive victory in as many weeks, with a commanding 47-7 victory over Shorecrest at Shoreline Stadium. The victory, which improved Mariner to 7-1, clinched a league playoff berth. Shorecrest, which has yet to beat a team with a winning record, dropped to 5-3.

“This is every high school football team in Washington state’s goal, to make it to the playoffs,” Mariner coach John Ondriezek said. “This win sets the tempo for the future of Mariner football. The school is excited and the players are excited.”

Five Mariner running backs scored touchdowns, including two by Markee Broussard, who rushed for 77 yards. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back scored on a pair of 14-yard runs all in the first half.

Mariner rushed for more than 350 yards, which included 122 from Michael Nelson, who scored the team’s second score of the game.

“Our offense has continued to improve with each game,” Ordriezek said. “It was our plan to run the ball. The running game allows us ground control. And we have explosive backs, which helps.”

Despite the wet conditions, Mariner quarterback Jacob Braaten completed three of four passes, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jason Sampaga and a 38-yard touchdown toss to Mike Stockl, all part of a 14-point third quarter.

The Marauders scored on their first possession when Broussard busted through the line and went 14 yards for a touchdown, giving Mariner a 7-0 lead. The three-play, 55-yard scoring drive began after Nelson galloped 33 yards to the Shorecrest 14-yard line.

After going three-and-out on their second possession in the first quarter, the Marauders added to their lead courtesy of two key plays by Nelson, who recovered a fumbled punt at Shorecrest’s 10-yard line. On the following play, he broke free for a 10-yard touchdown run, as Mariner built a 14-0 lead.

Defensively, the Marauders manhandled the smallish Shorecrest offensive line. Midway through the second quarter, Shorecrest had gained less than 30 yards and fewer than three first downs.

The three-way running punch of Mariner’s potent running attack continued to control the pace of the game. Mike Stockl, who ran for 30 of Mariner’s 52 yards on its way to a commanding 21-0 lead, raced around the right side for 21 yards. Nelson contributed 12 yards on a pair of inside counters, while Broussard capped off the drive for his second 14-yard touchdown score of the night.

Shorecrest scored its only points in the fouth quarter when Tracy Thompson scooped up a fumble and raced 76 yards for a touchdown.