Marina Outlasts Cerritos in 66-56 Shootout for First Win of the Season

In a game that turned into an offensive showcase, Marina held off a high-powered Cerritos passing attack to win 66-56 at Gahr High School, combining for 122 total points in the nonleague matchup.

Marina set the tone immediately, breaking off a 15-yard gain on the first play from scrimmage to set up a quick rushing touchdown from Ben Ramos. The Vikings’ defense added to the momentum shortly after, as Cody Haber forced a fumble that Shay Putney recovered. Quarterback Maverick Coverick capitalized on the short field, leading a drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown run from Lucas Delgado to push the lead to 14-0. Cerritos answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass to get on the board, but a missed extra point left Marina in control after one quarter.

The middle of the game turned into a track meet as both offenses found their rhythm. Marina leaned on its rushing attack while mixing in play-action, including a 45-yard connection from Coverick to Carson Hunnicutt. The Vikings’ defense chipped in again when Kris Garcia intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. But Cerritos quarterback Evan McDonald kept pace with an extraordinary night through the air, finishing with eight touchdown passes, many of them to wide receiver Terrence Grissom Jr., who piled up 220 receiving yards and two scores.

Despite Cerritos’ record-setting passing performance, Marina’s ground game proved to be the deciding factor. Ramos finished with 184 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Delgado added 105 yards and two scores of his own. The Vikings leaned on that rushing attack in the fourth quarter to control the clock and close out the win.

The victory gives Marina its first win of the season, improving to 1-3, while Cerritos falls to 0-4.