Mariner’s first win’s a stunner
Under normal circumstances, a game between two teams already knocked out of the playoffs would not hold much significance. It did Friday night as the Mariner Tritons defeated the Fort Myers Green Wave 7-0 – for the first time in 14 years – at Sam Sirianni Field.
It also is the first win for the Tritons (1-7) this season.
“If you’re only going to win one game, it might as well be the one you haven’t won in 14 years,” Mariner coach Chad O’Brien said. “My guys have fought hard to the end of every game and this time they got the win.”
The Tritons outplayed the Wave on both sides of the ball for most of the night, but it was the play of the defense that really shined, holding Fort Myers scoreless on four red zone trips.
The biggest stop came right before halftime. Fort Myers marched the ball all the way to the Mariner 1-yard line. After stopping the Wave on their first try, a penalty backed up the Wave and Mariner held strong, forcing a missed field goal.
“Coach pounded in our head that we are a good defense, and that we could stop them, and we did,” Mariner linebacker Gabby Rojas said.
Rojas led the stellar night for the defense, with an interception, a sack and six tackles, two of those for a loss. Mariner DB George Ruesca made some touchdown-saving tackles in the fourth to help keep the Wave off the board. The defensive line also had a strong showing, led by tackle J.J. Mendoza and end Justin Emmons, who combined for six tackles for loss.
The Tritons consistently gained yards, but were only able to find the end zone once, on their first possession. From their own 2-yard line, Donavan McAmis and Eric Mitchell made some runs. Sophomore QB J.T. Etnoyer connected with Ruesca for 23 yards into Fort Myers territory. Two plays later Mario Perone spun to the 26.
Then, abruptly, the stadium lights went out, and for about 20 minutes the field was dark. The lights came back on and the 14-play drive kept rolling, finishing with Etnoyer’s five-yard run. Etnoyer finished with 62 yards rushing and 59 yards passing. Mitchell led the Tritons with 81 rushing yards on nine carries.
Mariner plays host to District 3A-11 runner-up South Fort Myers next Friday.
Fort Myers 0 0 0 0 – 0
Mariner 7 0 0 0 – 7
First Quarter
M – J.T. Etnoyer 5 run (Juan Rincon kick)