Photo Gallery: Mariners Beat Montgomery in First-Round Playoff Action

After finishing the regular season 9-1, the Mar Vista High School Mariners won their seventh straight game Friday night, beating Montgomery High 19-7 in the first round of the CIF Division III playoffs. 

KUSI's Prep Pigskin Report held their alarm clock prep rally at Mar Vista Friday morning and before the game Coach Brian Hay received Coach of the Week honors from the San Diego Chargers and a $1,500 check.

The Mariners' running game brought them to the playoffs, but they would score every way but on the ground in the game.

A Lashon Riggins punt block led to a safety, a fumble recovered by Johnny Hay led to a touchdown, and a Richard Moriel field goal made it 12-0 at the half.

The Mar Vista lead was narrowed to 12-7 and in the fourth quarter, and Montgomery threatened to score again but the Mar Vista defense stood their ground.

A fourth-and-goal sack by J.R. Rodriguez and 66-yard touchdown pass by quarterback Jordan Lertique to Ricardo Moriel in the fourth quarter clinched the win.

The Mariners will play No. 2 seed St. Augustine High in the quarterfinals at St. Augustine Nov. 25. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Olympian-Serra game in the semifinals.

The Division III championship game will be played at Qualcomm Stadium Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.