Having a fish for a mascot proved lucky for Marathon last week when their scoring machine, coupled with foul weather, dampened the spirits of visiting Gateway Charter. The die-hard Dolphin fans who braved the weather Oct. 16 were treated to another offensive onslaught from the Fins as well as their first shutout this season. The rain, drizzling at times and pouring in sheets at others, did not let up for the duration of the game, and winds wreaked havoc on the athletes as well as fans’ umbrellas.
Marathon’s offense was a team effort, with 10 Fins helping to carry the load in the sloppy quagmire. Fabbianho Louis Jeune did the heavy lifting with 11 carries for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns. He added 1 extra point, but the conditions did not favor more from his usual stellar kicking. The conditions really didn’t favor much at all.
Carlos Lezcano was just four yards shy of the 100-yard mark on the ground with 1 rushing touchdown Friday night. Lezcano passed the mark with his pass and reception yardage, though. The Dolphins’ atypical offensive system favors gritty, adaptable athletes, of which Marathon has plenty. Tanner Ross carried one into the end zone and Israel Gonzalez, Jesus Gonzalez, Braulio Garcia, Shamar Wright, Curren Nicolay, Olivier Mondesir and Sean Westerband all had positive yardage on the ground for Marathon in the win.
Controlling the waterlogged, slippery ball was a factor for both teams, but Marathon managed to air it out, so to speak, for positive yards and an extra pair of TDs. The Dolphins, who are always heavy on running plays, were 4-for-4 through the air Friday. Louis Jeune’s single pass was to Lezcano for 9 yards. Lezcano tossed three passes, two for touchdowns. He connected with Ross for one and Christopher Paul for the second.
Defensively, the Fins had their best showing of the season. Ross had 6 solo tackles and 2 assists. Israel Gozalez had 2 solos and 4 assists. Freshman Khoa Nguyen had a sack while Braulio Garcia and Bryan Bravo each caused a fumble. Louis Jeune recovered a fumble to help secure the shutout.
Up next for Marathon is John Carroll Catholic, whom they will face at home for Senior Night on Oct. 25. The 8-0 Rams are ranked markedly higher than the Dolphins, making a win for the Fins just what they need for the playoffs. Marathon needs to be in the top 20 in the Rural classification in order to advance toward their first state playoff run since they left the FHSAA’s district system in 2011, and should they seal the deal on a playoff game, it will be their first since 2007.
The Fins were the only Keys team to take the field last week, as both Coral Shores and Key West had bye weeks. Key West picks up Oct. 25 against Miami Jackson in a district matchup on the road. Coral Shores faces St. John Neumann the same day for their homecoming celebration.
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