J.P. Marquez delivers the goods on the ground for the Heralds
(Whittier) The Whittier Christian Heralds rallied from a 7-0 early deficit, scored 24 unanswered points and held on to beat the visiting Maranatha Minutemen 24-14 Friday night on the campus of Whittier College and move one step close to capturing their third straight Olympic League title.
A battle would be a tough way to describe a game that matched two friends in head coaches Sergio Gradilla and Pete Karavedas. Karavedas served as the defensive coordinator for the Heralds under Gradilla.
The Minutemen who have struggled to a 2-6 record took an early 7-0 advantage when Eli Snyder found Troy French over the middle for a 22-yard scoring strike. The touchdown was set up by Xavius Boone who returned a punt to the Herald 24.
Turnovers would bite Maranatha on the night as two led directly points for Whittier Christian.
Deep in their own side of the field the Minutemen were forced to punt. A bad snap sailed over the head of Jack Basalari and was recovered by the Heralds on the Maranatha 13. Three plays later Ryan Esslinger found Kevin Hoskins over the middle from seven yards out. Derek Brush nailed the extra point and the game was tied at 7.
The game would stay tied through the rest of the first half and deep into the third quarter.
Whittier Christian took their first lead on the evening when Esslinger capped a 12 play, 72-yard drive calling his own number on a nine yard run. Brush again add the extra point for a seven point lead. The drive showed the determination of the Heralds to come out in the second half and wear down Maranatha.
Even though Esslinger got the score, it was J.P Marquez carrying the majority of the load with the Herald offensive line leading the way. Marquez finished the evening carrying the ball 33 times for 127-yards and a touchdown.
The Minutemen were in a giving mood on Friday night as a second turnover on a bad exchange from Snyder to Omar Younger set Whittier Christian up first and ten at the Maranatha 31. After an eight play drive stalled, Brush came on to boot a 32-yard field goal.
Whittier Christian’s resident “Bad Dude” Jacob Hughes created havoc in the Maranatha backfield!
The Heralds first defensive goal on the night was to limit the damage that could have been done by Maranatha running back Omar Younger.
A stellar performance was give as the Whittier Christian defense held the talented Minutemen ball carrier to just 33-yards on 13 carries.
The final dagger was delivered by Marquez on a 18-yard bolt to paydirt with 2:03 left in the final frame. The score was set up by a sack of Snyder at his own 18 after being force to go for in on 4th and long.
With only one game left against Valley Christian, the Heralds have virtually clinched not only a playoff spot but a share of the Olympic League hardware.
All hope is not lost for Maranatha either. With wins in their next two games against Valley and Village Christian, they too can punch their ticket to the post season.
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