Oceanside senior offensive lineman and University of Michigan commit Lincoln Mageo recently told The Coast News that the Pirates’ identity is rooted in the physicality of their offensive line — a unit that weighs a collective metric ton, more or less.
Oceanside backed that up Friday night, pounding its way to a 44-29 season-opening victory over Granite Hills at John Carroll Stadium.
Running back Neke Letuli rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns, with scoring runs of 11, 8 and 16 yards.
“The only people not shocked about how we won was the guys in our locker room,” Mageo said after the game.
“We know that our strength is in the trenches on both sides and that we will battle with anyone that walks in there,” Mageo said. “Whether we win or lose we will make sure they know who we are and how we get down.”
For Oceanside, the win was a statement. The Pirates entered the season ranked No. 8 in the county and took a 30-7 lead into halftime against No. 2 Granite Hills.
According to Mageo, however, this was simply business as usual.
“I see posts saying, ‘Is Oside back?’ But how can Oside be back if we never left? We always been here and we will always be here,” Mageo said.
Last season, Oceanside opened with a 45-29 loss to Granite Hills. Friday’s victory was the Pirates’ first in the series, improving their all-time record against the Eagles to 1-3.
Quarterback Anthony Barquinero completed 11 of 22 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown, with one interception. Darien Mahoney led the Pirates with six receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, averaging 20.3 yards per catch. On defense, Jameson Garrison recorded three sacks.
“I love representing and playing for my city every time I walk out under the lights,” Mageo added.
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Scoreboard (North County)
Fallbrook 47, Escondido 14
Mission Hills 47, El Camino 3
San Marcos 23, Aliso Niguel 7
La Costa Canyon 35, Central 0
Carlsbad 24, Arbor View 17
Santa Fe Christian 38, Helix 6
Torrey Pines 45, Radford (Hawaii) 0
Sweetwater 47, Vista 46
Otay Ranch 23, Rancho Buena Vista 14
Civica (Nevada) 42, Army Navy 0
