Mar 27, 2010
Mike Marnin
Islanders win season opener, beating Salinas 28-12

Photo by Nancy Porfirio

Pacifica Ca. - The Pacifica Islanders took their first step toward an NCFL title last night opening their 2010 season with a victory at home against the Salinas Spartans.

With former league MVP Jason Piccolotti as new head coach, the Islanders jumped out to an early 14 point lead courtesy of two Jason Harrison rushing touchdowns. The first coming off of a forced fumble and recovery by Surrell Davis at the Salinas 1 yard line. Salinas came back and answered with a touchdown of their own, and the game remained 14 - 6 until the second half, thanks in part to tremendous defensive line play from Sam Iosia and Percy Robinson. 

The second half was a well fought battle, with both teams moving the ball with some consistency only to surrender to drive halting turnovers. Islander defenders Scott Burke, Lance Mitchell and newcomer Tony Barnes riddled the Spartan offense with blitzes from all angles, while Paki Gordon and Surrell Davis held things down in the backfield. 

The Islander rushing attack was the story of the game amassing 195 yards on the ground. Jason Harrison had 10 carries for 62 yards and 3 touchdowns while Corky Lindsey had 122 yards on 11 carries including a 78 yard rumble from scrimmage that gave the Islanders a 28 to 6 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Salinas refused to give up and answered with an offensive drive for a touchdown, closing the gap to 28 - 12. 

With time winding down Islander QB Jimmy Collins,12 for 23 and 141 yards slowed down the Islander offense and ran out the clock. Collins threw for 141 yds and found Cecil Elekewachi twice for 59 of them. The Islanders also showed up on special teams with solid coverage on kicks and punts. Jermaine Hargraves was a tackle away from taking one to the house on a 46 yard punt return in the 4th quarter. Join the Islanders on the road next week in Monterey as they take on the Vikings. Game time is 7 pm