PACIFICA players raise their helmets in triumph after defeating city rival Garden Grove 38-7 Friday night (OC Tribune photo).
Pacifica rolled over city rival Garden Grove 38-7 Friday night at Bolsa Grande Stadium, squaring its record at 2-2 and giving the Argonauts (2-2) a rare two-game losing streak.
The Mariners tallied on the second play from scrimmage of the game on a 70-yard run by quarterback Ben Jefferson and kept on scoring, shutting out the Argonauts until 1:41 left in the contest.
BEN JEFFERSON scored on a 70-yard run on the second Pacifica play from scrimmage (OC Tribune photo).
Jefferson was the offensive star of the night, his elusive running giving the Argonauts fits. He ran for 196 yards – and four touchdowns – and threw for 108 yards more. Raul Balderas ran for 200 more yards for the Mariners.
Garden Grove broke up the shutout when backup quarterback Cristian Marquez found wide receiver Adam Johnson for a 33-yard touchdown strike.
“I think for the first time, we finally played four quarters of football,” said Pacifica coach Vinnie Lopez. “Garden Grove is a good football team, so it was a good win for us and the kids.” As far as the Mariners’ prospects in Empire League play, Lopez said “I think the league is wide open. Who knows … I feel we are right there with the best of them when we play football like we did tonight.”
Is Pacifica, once a powerhouse that’s had a few disappointing seasons, back? “I think so,” he said. “I think we’re gonna roll.”
The Mariners will complete their pre-league season next Friday against Aliso Niguel, while Garden Grove will have a week off, then try to get back on track against Laguna Hills on Sept. 30.
Other Friday night football results
- Pacifica 38, Garden Grove 7
- Huntington Beach 29, Wilson/Long Beach 18
- Ocean View 34, Santiago 7
- Foothill 30, Fountain Valley 6
- Edison 24, San Juan Hills 17
- La Quinta 49, Loara 39
- Rancho Alamitos 28, Anaheim 7
- Katella 42, Westminster 21