Pacifica Finds Balance of Scoring and Defense

GARDEN GROVE —  Pacifica used a balanced attack on offense and a stifling defense to shut out Covina Northview, 42-0, Thursday night in a nonleague game at Bolsa Grande High School. It was the Mariners’ first shutout of the season.

“This was probably the best game we’ve played all year,” Pacifica Coach Bill Craven said. “We were able to run the ball, throw the ball and mix it up.”

Pacifica (7-3) held Covina Northview (2-7-1) to 133 yards in offense while gaining 296 yards.

Scott Yoast scored the first two touchdowns for Pacifica, on a 39-yard reception and a 64-yard interception return.

Paul Toepel, who rushed for 93 yards in 15 carries, also scored touchdowns on runs of 4 and 1 yards, giving the Mariners a 28-0 lead.

J.D. Stern, who completed 10 of 20 passes for 182 yards, threw two touchdown passes, his second a 17-yard strike to Casey Huffmire with five minutes left in the game, capping a seven-play, 37-yard drive.

Pacifica’s defense scored its second touchdown on a 53-yard interception return by Jeff Burt with less than two minutes to play. It was the Mariners’ third interception of the game.

“We came out knowing we had to play a good game to have a chance at getting into the playoffs,” Stern said.

Pacifica finished fourth in the Garden Grove League with a 3-3 record and is hoping for a wild-card playoff berth.