PACIFICA MARINERS
Coach: Marcello Giuliano (sixth year, 24-28-1)
Last season: 2-8 overall, 1-5 league
Scouting report: The Mariners averaged 32 pass attempts a game in 2013, which was partly out of necessity. Pacifica played from behind quite a bit last year as its defense surrendered 35 points an outing. With new starting quarterback Nick Garcia having never thrown a varsity pass, the Mariners defense has to put the offense in a better position. An experienced defensive backfield, headlined by playmaker Tirek Benjamin, should help that cause. On offense, Garcia will have the benefit of playing behind a veteran offensive line. The Mariners hope to get more out of their run game. Juniors Marcus Tolbert and Trent Hunter will share the carries at running back. While continuity in the trenches will make things easier for the Mariners, reaching the postseason for the first time since 2010 will be an uphill battle.
Players to watch: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.; Travis Hadden, Sr.; Trent Hunter, Jr.; Thomas Mercurio, Jr.; Marcus Tolbert, Jr.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Offense
QB: Nick Garcia, Jr.
RB: Marcus Tolbert, Jr.
RB: Trent Hunter, Jr.
WR: Travis Hadden, Sr.
WR: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.
TE: Aaron Jacobs, Jr.
T: Dallas Hart, Sr.
G: Jared Garcia, Jr.
C: Kelekolio VanDine, Sr.
G: Hunter Burleson, Sr.
T: Matthew May, Jr.
Kicker: Thomas Mercurio, Jr.
Defense
DE: Isaiah Togia, Sr.
DT: Kevin Stachowiak, Sr.
DT: Mathew May, Jr.
DE: Jordan Cabral, Sr.
OLB: Trent Hunter, Jr.
MLB: Kyler Lenn, Sr.
OLB: Jacob Handley, Jr.
CB: Mathew Estrada, Jr.
CB: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.
SS: Thomas Mercurio, Jr.
FS: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.
P: Thomas Mercurio, Jr.
KR: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.
PR: Tirek Benjamin, Jr.
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Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
