Edison 15-Game Streak Ended by Marina, 15-12

Marina High School got defensive Friday night, defeating Edison for only the second time in 18 years in front of a homecoming crowd of 4,000 at Westminster High.

Five quarterback sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries added up to a 15-12 upset victory that snapped Edison’s 15-game Sunset League winning streak which dated back to 1988.

Marina (3-3, 2-1 in league) scored the winning touchdown with 7:04 remaining when quarterback Chris Della Croce connected with wide receiver Mark Mahone on an 18-yard pass play. Della Croce ran for the two-point conversion.

“It only took nine times to finally beat those guys,” said Marina Coach Dave Thompson. Thompson, who returned to coaching after a five-year absence this fall, added, “This is what I missed. The Friday night wins. There are only a couple of things in life that could make me feel better.”

Edison (3-3, 1-1) saw its last opportunity to come back end when quarterback John Khamis’ pass was intercepted by Jeff Nyssen at his own six-yard line.

It was a fitting way to end the game for Marina. Khamis was under pressure most of the night. Marina’s defensive line, anchored by tackle Ingmar Northcott, sacked Khamis five times for minus 33 yards.

Marina’s defense was also responsible for its only touchdown in the first half. Linebacker Steve Jackson scooped up a Khamis fumble at his own 29-yard line and raced 71 yards for a touchdown that gave Marina a 7-0 lead. Edison recovered only momentarily, scoring on its next possession, but for most of the night, the Chargers rarely generated much offense.

“We had two good drives to open the game, and after that, our offense didn’t do a thing,” Edison Coach Dave White said. “They played great defense and deserved to win. This game showed that there’s parity in this league and the race is now wide open.”

Marina’s game plan was simple. Edison used man-to-man coverage in the secondary, so Thompson elected to throw the ball. The Vikings opened with four consecutive passes, but Della Croce was ineffective most of the night until he connected on the winning touchdown.

Marina’s running game was also ineffective against Edison as the Vikings managed only 44 yards. Marina’s total of 122 yards is seldom enough to win a big game, but the Vikings’ defense was their best offense.

“I can’t fault our defense,” White said. “We played great defense. They only had one drive on us all night.”

Edison running back Travis Balding was the only bright spot for the Chargers. Balding finished with 79 yards in 20 carries, but managed only 19 yards in the second half.