Marshall Plan Produces Wins

Marshall High is off to its best start in Coach Ray Avesian’s seven seasons as coach.

But after Marshall improved its record to 4-1 with a dominating 30-0 nonleague victory over Hollywood on Friday at Hollywood, Avesian said there’s still improvement needed.

“Today’s was not our best game,” Avesian said. “Our defense is our strength but on offense we’re still working on some things.”

Marshall forced six turnovers. Defensive back Timothee Boonyarit had three interceptions, including one that set up the Barristers’ first touchdown, which came on a two-yard run by Donatis Dargis with 4:06 left in the first quarter.

Marshall capitalized on another interception by Boonyarit in the second quarter. The Barristers scored on a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Marvin Quinonez to John Spears with 2:04 left in the first half to put Marshall ahead, 15-0.

Hollywood (1-3-1) had its best opportunity to score in the fourth quarter when the Sheiks were trailing, 23-0. They drove 50 yards to the Marshall 15, but Marshall’s David Chaure saved the shutout by intercepting a pass by Trever Brackett at the nine and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown.

“Usually when our team gets down we show heart and try to get back,” said Brackett who completed nine of 14 passes for 71 yards. “But today we just gave up--we fell apart.”

Dargis finished with 63 yards and Cory Lindley rushed for 49 for Marshall.

Quinonez completed 12 of 18 passes for 109 yards and scored on a four-yard run.

Avesian is encouraged by his team’s play during its preleague schedule. The Barristers have also defeated Bell, Verdugo Hills and Poly. Their only loss came against Roosevelt.

Next week, however, Marshall begins play in the Northern League, which has been dominated for years by Franklin.

Franklin is off to an uncharacteristic 3-2 start.

“[Franklin’s] record doesn’t mean anything, they’ll be ready once [league-play] starts,” Avesian said.

And so will Marshall.