At 6-1, the defending South Bay League champion Mar Vista Mariners are having nothing short of a stellar season. But will the Mariners claim this year’s title once again? The Hilltop Lancers, who appear in the process of turning around a disappointing start to the season, once again look to be the chief roadblock for the Imperial Beach school.
Hilltop is suddenly within reach of the .500 mark for the first time this season with another victory. The Lancers (3-4) host Southwest (2-5) Friday while riding a two-game winning streak.
The Mariners, who are averaging 380 rushing yards per game, play at San Ysidro (2-5) in their league opener.
Hilltop defeated Montgomery, 33-14, last Friday amid gala homecoming ceremonies. Quarterback Omar Hernandez rushed for 124 yards and scored three touchdowns while also passing for 103 yards and two more scores. Paul Greene (four catches, 43 yards) and Abraham Gonzalez (three catches, 39 yards) each caught touchdown passes.
Dustin Downs rushed 17 times for 45 yards. Hernandez broke one of his 17 carries for 41 yards. He also scored on a one-yard carry and a 25-yard run.
David Vasquez led the Lancers with seven tackles while Angel Galvan recorded one sack and Dylan Griffin and Sergio Bueno each had one interception. Diego Uranga had one fumble recovery.
Charles Williams scored Montgomery’s first touchdown on a 64-yard run while Joel Castro added a four-yard scoring run. Hilltop led by scores of 13-0 and 20-7.
