PHOTO: Marina uses big special team plays to capture win over Fountain Valley

Marina quarterback Francis Saporito (left) and running back Ben Ramos (right) called for “horns up” after defeating Fountain Valley Thursday night at Boswell Field. (Photo: Jake Rhodes, For OC Sports Zone).

By JAKE RHODES

For OC Sports Zone

In football, teams tend to search for a big spark from their special teams unit. Marina rode the wave of three huge special teams plays Thursday night defeating Fountain Valley 23-10 at Boswell Field.

After Fountain Valley’s Jack Chavez drilled a 30-yard field goal to end the first half, the visitors (1-2) were scheduled to receive the second half kickoff. To the surprise of the Barons, and those in attendance, Marina Coach Charlie TeGantvoort and his staff called for an onside kick. After a scrum around the 47-yard line, the Vikings had possession.

After Marina’s 14-play drive stalled out on the Fountain Valley 8-yard line thanks to a blocked field goal attempt, TeGantvoort’s special teams stepped up again.

After the Viking defense forced a three-and-out, Fountain Valley had its punt blocked. The Barons recovered the ball, but were downed in the end zone, resulting in a safety, giving the Vikings a 16-10 lead with 4:56 left in the third quarter.

“I’d like to say I schemed it up, but really, our guys just went really hard and made the play,” said TeGantvoort.

After the Barons went three-and-out on their next drive, sure enough, their next punt was blocked yet again. This time, Marina (2-1) recovered on the Fountain Valley 13-yard line.

Junior running back Ben Ramos punched it into the end zone in one play, putting the finishing touch on an eventful third quarter for Marina.

The Viking running back was a workhorse, racking up 25 carries for 81 yards and one TD. He also caught two passes. Ramos’ 13-yard TD run was his longest of the night, as he nickel and dimed the Barons for short runs all night.

“I just try to run as hard as I can. It’s not all just me,” said Ramos. “I cannot do this without my O-Line, I appreciate them.”

Marina senior quarterback Francis Saporito was a tough customer under center. He completed 15 of 25 passes for 170 yards and a TD. Saporito also ran the ball11 times for 35 yards and another TD.

The senior signal caller had a serious connection with junior wide receiver Carson Hunnicutt. The Vikings wideout caught eight passes for 105 yards.

Saporito’s lone TD pass was a 30-yard strike down the seam on fourth and nine to junior wide receiver Shea Putney, who redeemed himself after dropping a TD pass on the previous drive.

“We controlled the ball real well,” said TeGantvoort. “There’s a lot of room for improvement obviously, but we played hard, we gave a lot of effort and we played tough.”

Fountain Valley sophomore quarterback Isaac Combs passed 10 of 18 for 68 yards. Combs also rushed for 43 yards and a TD in the loss.