Edison High football coach Dave White has said all week that any
one of the six Sunset League teams was capable of beating the other.
Well, Friday night at Westminster High's Bill Boswell Field, host
Marina proved White right as they used a strong option game and a
smothering defense to score a 28-20 upset victory over the previously
unbeaten Chargers on a festive homecoming night.
Marina Coach Mark Rehling choked back tears moments after the
game, calling the triumph "one of the greatest in this school's football
history."
Rehling had a point.
In 25 previous meetings between the schools, Marina had beaten
Edison just three times. Coupled with last year's 26-14 victory, the
Vikings have now won two straight from their city rival - something they
haven't done before.
"I'm going to cry, I'm so emotional right now," Rehling said as he
composed himself at midfield, accepting congratulatory hugs and
handshakes from various well wishers. "This team just amazed me with the
performance they gave - and what an incredible way to open up the league
race."
Rehling was even more impressed with the fashion in which the
Vikings were able to pull off their Sunset League opener, saying that the
team bounced back from last week's disappointing 28-20 loss at Mission
Viejo by "doubling up" with extra intensity at practice this week.
"And the kids' hard work really paid off," he said. "They had
extra incentive coming into this game, knowing that Edison was unbeaten
and this was the first week of league play. They took it upon themselves
to have a great game...and they did."
The Marina defense, in Rehling's estimation, played its best game
of the season.
The Vikings (3-2-1) limited Edison running back Darryl Poston to a
season-low 105 yards - 39 of which came on the junior's touchdown run
late in the third quarter. Poston's carry around right end brought the
Chargers (5-1) to within 21-20 with 1:08 left in the period, but Matt
Rohn broke through to block Travis Wilson's point after kick.
It was just one of many big defensive plays for the Vikings, who
were led by the enthusiastic play of senior outside linebacker Kyle
Warren.
Warren continually harassed Edison quarterback Richard Schwartz,
sacking him once. He also dropped Poston for a two-yard loss as the
Chargers threatened late in the game and on the same drive, pressured
Schwartz on a fourth-and-seven play from the Marina 47-yard line, then
deflected Schwartz's pass attempt, which wobbled to the turf, and Marina
took over on downs with 1:08 to play.
