Marina to pound away at CdM

Barry Faulkner

NEWPORT BEACH - Corona del Mar High football coach Dick Freeman

hasn’t done the math. But, after witnessing some suspect Sea King

tackling in Friday’s scrimmage against Villa Park, he realizes Marina’s

235-pound senior fullback Ray Mietkiewicz provides an imposing challenge

in tonight’s 7 o’clock nonleague opener at Newport Harbor High.

The logistic breakdown is not encouraging for the CdM defense.

Mietkiewicz, a two-time All-Sunset League performer, has amassed 2,369

yards in two seasons, including 1,549 yards and 15 touchdowns last fall.

As the primary weapon in the Vikings’ veer attack, he will, most likely,

break the line of scrimmage. When he does crack the CdM front four, he’ll

enjoy an average of a 56-pound advantage on CdM’s linebackers and

defensive backs. Only two defensive linemen, in fact, pack more beef than

the Marina standout.

“We’ll have some NFL corners if we don’t tackle, which stands for not for

long,” Freeman said. “We may be in pretty deep.”

Defense is a concern for CdM, particularly after surrendering an average

of 9.5 yards per carry to Villa Park ballcarriers in 24 attempts.

The Sea Kings, ranked No. 4 in CIF Southern Section Division IX, have two

returning starters on defense (tackle-turned-end Jay Bottom and end Grant

Estabrook). They will also have to contend with a Marina blocking corps

which averages 241 pounds tackle to tackle.

But Freeman in encouraged by his confidence in his offense.

“Our offense is ready,” he said.

Triggering the CdM attack is junior Santa Margarita transfer Matt Moore,

who makes his first varsity start at quarterback.

Estabrook, who enters with 258 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 57

career attempts, is the featured rushing option at tailback.

Fullback will be handled by senior Elliott Patterson, a lineman his first

two varsity seasons who was summoned from the tight end pool when

projected starter Mike Hayes broke his thumb against Villa Park.

Hayes, a 6-3, 210-pound junior, was expected to be a potent weapon, both

as a runner and receiver. He is the leading receiver among returners

(nine catches), but will miss at least one game.

Moore, expected to pose a rushing threat, as well, will look to an

inexperienced receiving corps when the Sea Kings test the airways.

Jon Schrank, a senior newcomer, will attempt to convert his 4.5 speed in

the 40-yard dash into function on the football field.

Sophomore Steven Ward, who has earned praise from Freeman for his soft

hands, starts at the other wideout.

Seniors Sean Fenton and Jason Kurtz add veteran presence on the offensive

line at left tackle and guard, respectively.

Among those carrying the defensive burden for CdM will be middle

linebacker Brandon Johnson, who as the starting right guard is also one

of five two-way Sea King starters.

Johnson is 6-0, 200 and is flanked by outside backers Blake Hacker (5-7,

160) and Nick Prosser (5-11, 175).

Moore will be thrust into harm’s way at one corner and junior Evan Burden

(5-9, 160) could be expected to fling himself at Mietkiewicz’s kneecaps

and hope for the best.

Safeties Adam Cooper (5-11, 190) and Eric Snell (6-1, 185) are the last

line of defense.

CdM is coming off a 6-5 playoff campaign, but lost four of its final five

games last fall.

Marina, perennially forced to deal with superior Sunset competition, last

made the playoffs in 1992. Coach Mark Rehling’s fourth season at the helm

produced a 4-6 record last fall, including a four-game losing streak to

end the campaign.

Junior Beau Brown, who sat out last season, will start at quarterback for

the Vikings.

CdM, which can even its record in openers at 19-19 with a win, leads the

series 7-5, but has dropped the last two Marina meetings.