San Diego U-T Preps

IMPERIAL BEACH — To catch a wave you have to paddle hard to get a fast start, something Mar Vista knows all about.

Last night the host Mariners stayed perfect on the year with a 37-14 non-conference victory over Castle Park.

“Pulling out to a 2-0 start is a great opportunity to ride the wave,” said Mar Vista head coach Tyler Arciaga. “It gives the whole school a sense of pride. Last year we started 5-1 and the atmosphere, spirit and energy around here was fantastic.”

The Mariners got all those things going early against the gutsy but overmatched Trojans (0-2), who graduated 32 seniors from a year ago.

The defense put the first points on the board when senior Jacob Hinojosa picked off a pass by Trojans quarterback Anthony Rodriguez and returned it 18 yards for the score with 5:58 left in the first quarter.

A Jake Borst 27-yard field goal upped the lead to 10-0 with 5:48 left in the half.

Mar Vista would go into the locker room with a 16-0 lead when senior Noah Berry capitalized on a 51-yard breakaway by classmate Khalil Spruill by taking it in from the 4 two plays later with 1:47 left in the half.

In the first half, the Mariners, who head to Seattle next week to play Decatur High of Federal Way, outgained the Trojans 241-20 in total offense. Mar Vista allowed only one first down in the half.

Spruill led all rushers with 215 yards on 14 carries, including TD runs of 26 and 31 yards in the third quarter. Berry added 40 yards on three carries and two TDs.