Kickoff 2012: Marina preview

Last season record: 1-8-1, 0-5 (6th in Sunset)

Postseason: 2001, lost to Redlands, 17-14, in Division 1 first round

Coach: George Pascoe (3rd, 4-15-1)

Home stadium: Westminster

Outlook: Ever-positive Coach George Pascoe believes the Vikings’ league losing streak will end this season. Marina last won a Sunset League game in 2004. “This is the year we’re going to do it,” he said. Pascoe’s positive outlook stems from the team’s progress last season and the number of returning starters on the roster. After a tough first two games in league last season, the Vikings lost a close game to Fountain Valley, 24-20, and fell to Newport Harbor, 24-7. And Marina led Los Alamitos at halftime in the league finale before falling, 31-13. The Vikings return five starters on offense and eight on defense. The team’s top player might be two-way lineman Izak Faoa. Marina also has speed in the back field with running backs Eli Cabaccang and Adam Anunciation. One of the Vikings’ biggest questions is at quarterback. They are picking between Shane Green and Austin Sojka. Marina’s biggest loss is running back Alex Waked, a 1,000-yard rusher last season now at Holy Cross. The Vikings open league against Los Alamitos at Veterans Stadium on Oct. 4.

Factoid: Former Marina players Matt Brennan, Turill Engelman, Dan Falkenstein and Connor King are coaching at Marina.

School record: 218-293-12