First look at Pacifica football 2021: Mariners have lots of experience and a talented QB

Pacifica coach Vinnie Lopez talks to his players after a game last season. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Pacifica High School’s football team brings plenty of experience into the 2021 football season, according to Coach Vinnie Lopez.

“We have a very mature group who bring a ton of experience,” Lopez said. “We return 17 starters including our sophomore quarterback Darius Cowens.”

Cowens already has an offer from Arizona State.

“We expect big things from him, CJ Washington and Jamal Fisher,” Lopez said.

CIF officials revised the starting date of high school football from August 2020 to January 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Local and state health officials will have to give final approval for the season to occur.

“Given the crazy start to the 2020 season, I am so thankful that we have such a mature group that understands what it takes to be a successful varsity football player,” Lopez said.

Pacifica is coming off a 5-6 season.

PACIFICA’S 2021 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Home games at Bolsa Grande High School

Friday, Jan. 8, at Linfield Christian

Friday, Jan. 15, vs. Foothill (H)

Thursday, Jan. 21, Canyon (H)

Friday, Jan. 29, at Buena Park

Thursday, Feb. 4, at Fullerton

Friday, Feb. 12, Kennedy (H)

Friday, Feb. 19, at Tustin

Friday, Feb. 26, Valencia (H)

Friday, March 4, Cypress at Western

Friday, March 11, Crean Lutheran (H)

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com