Football Tour IV

Marina (4-6 2-5)
 No program has dealt with more obstacles in its path since moving to 11-man football five years ago.
 Now the Mariners don't have a field on campus to practice on after it was renovated for baseball. So players will walk a few blocks in uniform to practice at a middle school.
 I guess winning doesn't fix everything.
 "We don't have everything other schools have,'' center Jon Salanoa said. "We just work with what we have.''
 After enduring a 26-game losing streak in its first three seasons, Marina rewrote every school record imaginable last year in going 4-6.
 Stability counts and head coach Vernon Calhoun has provided that entering his third season.
 Taking the next step starts with building off  last year's effort. There were good turnouts during the summer sessions.
 "We know how everything works,'' Salanoa said. "A lot of us have been together for four years. We just stick together.''
 What is evident is Marina will not sneak up on opponents this fall.
 While there is a better understanding of the offense, the defense will be the strength of the program with a handful of starters back in the fold.
 Taking the next step starts with trust.

 Check The Herald's website for an interview with Marina High coach Vernon Calhoun.