Schools
Photo Gallery: Mariners Edge Out Lancers, Move to 8-1 Ahead of Playoffs
Mar Vista's 13-6 win is powered by Jimmie Hill's two TDs, Eddie Mejia's two interceptions.
In less than ideal conditions, the Mar Vista High football team beat out the Hilltop High Lancers 13-6 Friday evening to move to 8-1 as the Mariners improved their chances to get a high seeding in the CIF Division III playoffs. The Mariners also moved to 2-0 in the Metro South Bay League with one game remaining.
Rain was not much of a factor during the game, but the field was wet and muddy after rain earlier in the day. A mud spot formed in the middle of the field.
With more than 16,000 votes, NBC San Diego called the matchup its Game of the Week.
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The Mariners stayed true to their reputation for a rushing offense and kept the ball on the ground. Jimmie Hill scored in the first quarter before the Lancers again moved the ball deep into Lancers territory toward the end of the first half but fell short on a fourth-down conversion.
With 11:57 left in the third quarter, Mar Vista player Matthew McMahan was injured. The Imperial Beach Fire Department came in to assist and an American Medical Response ambulance took him off the field. No further information is available at this time.
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During the pause in play due to McMahan's injury, rain began to fall but tapered off before play resumed 15 to 20 minutes later.
Hill scored again in the third quarter, but the Lancers answered early in the fourth quarter to pull within 13-6. But a late interception by Eddie Mejia, his second of the night, sealed the win for the Mariners.
Senior cheerleaders were recognized in a ceremony at halftime.
In their final game of the season, the Mariners will host rival Southwest High School in a Thursday night game that decides who gets possession of The Bell.
Each year since 1986, the winner of the Mar Vista-Southwest game earns the right to keep The Bell for a year.
Last year, the Mariners beat Southwest 56-0.
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