Marina Starts Fast, Rushes Past Westminster

WESTMINSTER — Marina rushed for 433 yards and scored on seven of its first nine possessions, cruising to a 49-14 victory over Westminster Friday night.

The Vikings are 4-0 for the first time since 1981, thanks in large part to their top-notch runners. Junior Mike Williams carried 11 times for 195 yards and four touchdowns. Junior Micah Harrison rushed for 139 yards and scored once in eight carries. Quarterbacks Matt Roberson and Matt Wentz added another 62 rushing yards.

Meanwhile, Westminster (2-2) never got things going. The Lions’ offense was missing a couple of important players. Leading rusher Leonard Ibarra was missing because of an elbow injury, and starting quarterback Jerry Allison was not in uniform for personal reasons. Without those two, Westminster managed only one extended drive. The Lions started both of their scoring drives in Marina territory thanks to a recovered onside kick and a Viking fumble.

For the most part, Marina did its damage with efficiency. Five of the seven touchdown drives took two minutes or less, and the Vikings only faced two fourth downs in the game.

The only negative for the Vikings was in the penalty department--they were called for 18 penalties for 182 yards.

But even yellow flags could not stop the Vikings. At one point in the third quarter, Marina was whistled for four penalties without a play being run. Facing third and 23 at their own 13, the Vikings sent Williams through the right side and he went 87 yards for a touchdown.