Santa Cruz-Marina football

Friday's game
Santa Cruz (3-4) vs. Marina (3-5) at Seaside, 6 p.m.
 After a winless non-league season, the Cardinals have been the surprise of the Coastal Division at 3-0, setting the stage for a potential title showdown in two weeks with St. Francis.
 Despite its roster numbers in the mid 20's, Marina is playing its best football of the season, having scored 115 points in its last two games. Prior to that, it had gone 13 plus quarters without a point.
 Last week the Mariners set a single-game school record for points with 68. Two weeks ago, the 48 points was the third most in school history.
 What changed?
 Well, Marina coach Vernon Calhoun simplified the offense and Fermin Gabot got healthy -- rushing for seven touchdowns and nearly 300 yards in his last two games.
  You can't stack the box to stop Gabot, as evident by Will Leander throwing three touchdown passes last week for the Mariners.
 One more win and Marina ties its single-season school record for wins. Last week was the programs first ever Saturday road win.
 The Cardinals average margin of victory during their winning streak has been 16.4 points. Johnny Soto has rushed for 293 yards in his last three games.
 After committing nine turnovers in its first three games, Santa Cruz has only had two in its last four.