Strong running game powers Pacifica past Liberty in CIF Division 10 quarterfinals

Pacifica fans take some post-game photos of the Mariners after Friday’s win. (PHOTOS: Jake Rhodes, For OC Sports Zone).

BY JAKE RHODES

For OC Sports Zone

An audible at the line of scrimmage can change a play for the quarterback. But, an audible of how an entire offense plays football, that can put a team into the CIF Division 10 semifinals, and that is exactly what Pacifica did Friday night at Bolsa Stadium. The Mariners leaned heavily into their running game, securing a 13-7 victory over Liberty.

Pacifica moves on to the semifinals next Friday at Hillcrest.

Pacifica (9-3 overall) threw the ball 217 times and ran it 298 times to this point in the season. However, the Mariners did not have numbers that close in this contest. The beneficiary of the heavy run attack was running back Ma’kai Brown. The senior carried the ball 24 times, racking up 124 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Brown had some help along the way from two fellow seniors: running back Mike Lee who carried the rock 11 times for 87 yards, and wide receiver Eli Sandoval who found himself in a few big plays, carrying the ball four times and caught the only two Mariner completions of the game, netting him 104 yards of offense.

“Honestly, cutting up [field] was a very good tactic I used today because I knew they were really aggressive and they were pinching inside a lot,” said Brown. “So I took the outside to my advantage and got loose.”

The wet conditions were a factor in the change of style in the Pacifica offense. The Mariners completely abandoned their shotgun, passer friendly offense led by the connection of senior quarterback James Anema and senior wide receiver David Carlsson. 

The duo has connected for 1,028 yards and 13 TDs to this point in the season. Friday night, Carlsson did not record a catch. Regardless of the game plan, Pacifica Coach Kyle Murphy praised his team, and especially Carlsson’s ability to still make an impact on the game.

“He [Carlsson] didn’t get to touch the ball tonight, because of the weather,” said Murphy. “He didn’t complain, he blocked his butt off. That’s what being a team is all about.”

As for running rampant in some very wet conditions in Southern California, Brown had a great time playing in the rain.

“My first rain game, it felt amazing. The scenery was amazing,” said Brown. “It wasn’t too slippery, it wasn’t that bad holding onto the ball. But overall, it was an amazing time to play in the rain.

All the scoring came in the first half, but Liberty (6-6 overall) had plenty of chances to take the lead away from the Mariners.

With the clock at 0:00 in the second quarter, Bison senior quarterback Devin Dillard threw a ball across his body into the back of the end zone. His prayer was answered, as that pass found a wide open receiver in junior Damian Rowell for a 14-yard TD. Liberty was also set to receive the ball to start the second half.

With what looked like a momentum swing, the Bison were able to strike early in the third quarter. On the second play out of the break, Dillard found Rowell again down the seam wide open around the Liberty 45-yard line. After running about 40 yards towards what looked like a game-tying TD, the Pacifica defense tracked Rowell down, knocking the football out of his hands.

Sandoval, also playing defensive back, pounced on the ball, giving the Mariners possession deep on their side of the field. 

After Pacifica’s ensuing seven plus minute, 14-play drive stalled with a fumble, the Mariner defense again delivered another turnover. This time, the takeaway came on a high point interception made by senior defensive back Jordan Morales.

After both teams traded turnover on downs, Pacifica was pinned down on their 23 yard line late in the fourth quarter, and forced to punt. Sophomore punter Beckett Bernhard made one of the most underrated plays of the game. 

In the pouring rain, Bernhard caught the snap cleanly, and boomed a kick 48 net yards, flipping the field and putting the Bison on their own 29 yard line needing a TD.

Pacifica’s defense again rose to the occasion, forcing Liberty into a 4th and long situation with their season in the balance. Dillard, under duress, was able to get a throw off 30 yards down the field. The ball went through the defender’s hands, hit senior wide receiver Brendan Adkins in the chest, then fell harmlessly to the floor. That incompletion all but sealed the Mariners trip to a second straight CIF Semifinal.

“It was going to be a four quarter effort,” said Murphy. “They [the defense] bought into what the game was, which is we’re not looking for stats. We’re looking for the only stat, which is to win and whatever that takes.” 

Notes:

According to Murphy, this was Pacifica’s 400th win in school history. Also, Murphy said this is the second time ever in school history that Pacifica has gone to back-to-back semifinals. 

“It helps validate what I hold dear to me, which is our standard: discipline, consistency, and accountability,” said Murphy. “They [the team] exemplify those traits … It’s a testament to the kids.”

For best view, click on the photo: