Clutch Marina Comeback in Double OT Shocks Beckman, Clinches League Title Share (2024)

Westminster – Boswell Field

Marina’s quarterback Garrett Hunnicutt shook off three difficult quarters to lead a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, giving the Vikings a 27-24 double-overtime victory over previously unbeaten Beckman on Friday, clinching a share of the Lambda League title.

Down 14-6 with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Marina (9-1, 4-1) drove 75 yards with a lot of composure. Hunnicutt’s 14-yard pass to Gabe Carles on third-and-14 set the tone, and with 56 seconds left, Hunnicutt found Shane Cassidy in the end zone for a touchdown. Jake Russell’s diving catch on the two-point conversion forced overtime at 14-14.

“We did everything else wrong but played with heart and toughness,” said Marina head coach Charlie TeGantvoort, whose team overcame six turnovers, including three red-zone interceptions.

In the first overtime, Carles powered in a 2-yard score, but Beckman’s Adam Diaz matched it to extend the game. Despite a spotty defensive line, Marina forced Beckman to settle for a Gui DeLuca field goal in the second overtime, giving them a 24-21 lead. Hunnicutt then delivered on fourth-and-12 with a clutch 24-yard pass to Cassidy and punched in the game-winning touchdown from one yard out.

Marina, Beckman, and Kennedy (7-3, 4-1) now share the Lambda League title after a series of nail-biting finishes across the league.