Mar Vista Mariners 28, University City Centurions 21

The Mar Vista Mariners upset the University City Centurions 28-21.

The Mariners’ ball control and time of possession lead to the win. They put together long drives all game with all 4 of their touchdowns coming from less than three yards out.

The night started well for the Centurions who were first on the board with a safety going up quickly 2-0.

On the free kick following the safety the Mar Vista Mariners were able to recover. The recovery lead to a drive ending in Jacob Beck pounding in a QB sneak to go up 7-2. The Mariners turned another stop into points, as Beck found the end zone again from 2 yards out.

The Centurions came back in the second half and drove down the field ending in Gunnar Gray’s fade pass to Casey Granfors; the Centurions down 14-8.

After the Mariners’ longest drive of the game Tasi Sablan found the end zone from 2 yards out to go up 21-8.

The Centurions went back and Gray threw his second touchdown of the game finding Tiago Quantz for the 27 yard connection.

Finally, Jacob Beck put the game away running in for his third touchdown of the game extending the Mar Vista lead to 28-14.

The Mariners get back on the winning side of things going to 3-2. The Centurions drop their first game of the season now they are 4-1.

Next week, the Mariners will host Santana and the Centurions play Crawford. 

PREVIEW: The Week 5 matchup between the Mar Vista Mariners (2-2) and the University City Centurions (4-0) features two of the most balanced offenses in the county.

For the Centurions, it has been youth and athleticism that has guided UC to a perfect 4-0 start.

Sophomore Gunnar Gray has been the centerpiece of the young Centurion offense. Gray has thrown for 740 yards and 9 touchdowns. Gray has completed over half of his pass attempts with a completion percentage of 58%.

University City has also had a balanced run attack rushing for 712 yards as a team.

Ultimately, it is the Centurions’ strong receiving core that has sparked the team. Starting with Junior Casey Granfors, who has 256 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Junior Jurne Smith has added 181 receiving yards.

The Centuirons’ defense has also been a factor in their 4-game winning streak. Senior Jake Jones leads with 31 tackles. Granfors has posted 24 tackles, playing on both sides of the ball.  

While the Centurions rely on youth, the Mar Vista Mariners look to senior leadership on their offense.

Senior Jacob Beck has been a force to be reckoned with, in the South Bay. Beck has thrown for 857 yards with 6 touchdowns and over 60% completion percentage.

Beck has been able to develop a strong chemistry with Senior De’Von Peterson. Peterson has 11 receptions for a total of 470 yards.

The Mariners have also established a strong run-game with 9 different players rushing for at least 40 yards. As a team, Mar Vista has run for a total of 943 yards.

Mar Vista also relies on seniors on the defensive side of the ball. Seniors Jared York and Niko Figueroa have been standouts all season combining for 72 tackles in just 4 games.

It looks to be a tight battle between two teams coming off Week 4 wins. Make sure to tune in to the Prep Pigskin Report on Friday at 10:30PM or follow the PPR Red Jackets on Instagram and Twitter @redjacketarmy.