Marina Stops Late Westminster Rally--Again

WESTMINSTER —  For the second consecutive season, a goal-line stand by Marina’s defense in the final minutes helped to preserve a victory over Westminster.

Marina stopped Westminster five yards from the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter and beat the Lions, 11-7, in a Sunset League game Thursday at Westminster High.

The decisive plays came with about two minutes remaining when Marina’s defensive line forced Westminster quarterback Johnny Mahurien to throw incomplete passes on third and fourth downs.

Last season, the Vikings beat Westminster, 20-17, with a similar last stand.

“This was a tough ball game--I’m not kidding--but it was nice to have that goal-line stand,” Marina Coach Dave Thompson said.

Westminster (3-6, 1-5 in league) started its final drive at the Vikings’ 45 with 5:20 remaining when Mark Mulligan recovered a fumble by Marina’s John Marvos.

Marina (5-3-1, 4-1-1) scored first on quarterback Thomas Sullivan’s 18-yard run early in the first quarter. The Vikings began the three-play drive at the Westminster 26 when Greg Sato recovered a fumble by the Lions’ David Juan on the opening kickoff return.