By David A. Willauer-Contributing Writer
San Marcos CA— The Oceanside Pirates traveled to San Marcos for an Avocado League match-up of unbeaten teams, Friday night, running over the Knights 31-14 to move to 4-0.
The Pirates took advantage of the power of their offensive line which opened up holes for the running game of Tevin Meadows and Jacob Bernard to drive 73 yards in 9 plays capped by a Meadows one-yard run over the left side to take a 7-0 lead with 9:15 left in the first quarter.
The Pirates defense was able to shut down the Knights but turnovers kept San Marcos in the game during the first half. Oceanside turned the ball over three times giving the Knights a short field to work with but the Knights were only able to capitalize on the mistakes once.
San Marcos cornerback, Ethan Cline picked off a Max Shuffer pass and returned the ball to the Oceanside 22 yard-line giving San Marcos excellent field position. It looked like the Oceanside defense was going to keep the Knights from taking advantage of the Pirate miscue forcing San Marcos into a 4th and 20 from the Oceanside 23. On fourth down, San Marcos QB, Bryson Bolin scrambled away from pressure and found Kyle Philips in the end zone to tie the score at 7.
The Pirates next scoring drive was 72 yards in nine plays, mostly on the ground. The exception was a thirty yard Shuffer pass to a triple covered Jake Gerardi who somehow came down with the ball getting the Pirates inside the San Marcos 4 yard-line. The Pirates scored two plays later when Shuffer ran it in for the go ahead touchdown, 1:19 left in the half.
The Pirates scored three more times; Jake Gerardi hit a 35 yard field goal, Shuffer on a three yard run and Shuffer to Julian Hicks for a 10 yard TD. Tevin Meadow had 20 carries for 100 yards and Max Shuffer had 7 rushes for 20 yards with two touchdowns.
It’s very satisfying win San Marcos is building their tradition hear with Coach Tinsler and his staff. They doing a good job and are a playoff championship contender” said Head Coach Dave Rodriguez. “They belong in the envelope and tonight’s game was a battle. We are thankful to the win the game tonight and we will find out about one of my injured players, , Taylor Shaw, and hopefully will find out some good news whether he is going to be able to play.” said Coach Rodriguez
The Knights scored their last touchdown as Bryce Bolin, 16 completions out of 37 attempts for 236 yards and 1 interception, threw his second yard pass a 90 yarder to Kyle Phillips (5 receptions for 138 yards) for a touchdown.
Next week is another battle of unbeaten teams as Oceanside hosts the 4-0 Grizzlies of Mission Hills. The Grizzlies hosted Carlsbad, last night beating the Lancers 12-7.
In other North County action:
- El Camino falls to 2-2 losing on the road to Torrey Pines 7-3. El Camino will host San Marcos next Friday.
- Poway rolled over the host team, La Costa Canyon 41-26. La Costa Canyon travels to Carlsbad High School next Friday.
- Mt Carmel went into Vista beating the Panthers 45-21. Next week the Panthers travel to Ramona.
- RBV fell on the road to Steele Canyon, 41-6. The 1-3 Longhorns travel to Escondido to take on the Cougars.
- Army-Navy Academy finally got to play a game at home but fall to 0-4 losing to Calipatria 27-9. It doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors as they are on the road again next week against La Jolla Country Day.