Mariners run over Monarchs in 44-0 victory

Opposing teams know what’s coming but none yet have found a way to stop the Mariners’ double-wing offensive formation. The host Monte Vista Monarchs became the latest victim to roll under the defending Metro-South Bay League team’s treads as Mar Vista claimed a 44-0 non-league victory last Friday.

The Mariners (3-0) rushed for 309 yards on 41 attempts — quarterback Jordan Lertique only attempted two passes, completing one for 15 yards — as they progressively wore down the Monarchs (1-3), who yielded 28 points in the second half after holding the visitors to a 16-0 lead at halftime.

Lertique (nine carries, 83 yards) scored on runs of one and 38 yards while Jimmie Hill (15 carries, 135 yards) scampered into the end zone on scoring runs of 60 and 24 yards. Adrian Iriarte (four carries, 23 yards) scored on a one-yard run while Landon Clark returned a fumble recovery 56 yards for another touchdown.

Keevin Moore rushed 10 times for 59 yards. Hill also ran in a pair of two-point conversions for the Mariners, who likely face their biggest test of the season this Friday against the visiting Grossmont Foothillers (2-0-1). Kick-off is 7 p.m.