Marinovich to start for SoCal Coyotes in home opener
(INDIO) – Former 1990 USC Rose Bowl champion and 1991 Los Angeles Raiders first-round pick Todd Marinovich, age 48, will make history when he becomes the oldest starting quarterback on record for the SoCal Coyotes this Saturday after a 17-year layoff.
The Coyotes host the California Sharks at 7 p.m. at their Shadow Hills Stadium home.
After a career riddled by addiction, Marinovich has become a most unlikely hero to those who still suffer. His dogged tenacity to come back to the sport has sent a message to the masses that faith, hope and redemption are available for all.
The SoCal Coyotes officially broke training camp Tuesday night with their last practice in pads. Wednesday morning coaches ended all speculation, and confirmed that Marinovich would start.
In limited work Tuesday, Marinovich looked sharp in the Coyotes Silver Stretch Run ‘n’ Shoot offense, completing long balls to rookies Devon Blackmon (BYU), Drake Martinez (Michigan State) and veterans Jarrod Harrington (Campbellsville University) and Matt Arias (College of the Desert).
Saturday a clean and sober Marinovich will be vividly aware of the young defensive ends crashing toward him. He must trust his offensive line, and running backs LeRon Wilson or Dylan Peebles assigned to blitz pick-up, to spare him pain in the pocket.
Odd days for Marinovich. Odder still for his teammates, a few of whom just discovered their quarterback is the same age as their dad.
“We’re all in unchartered water with Todd,” smiled head coach J David Miller. “Him, us, coaches, refs, opponents, fans, everybody. We’re proud of all the hard work he’s put in, the message he’s sending to those who still suffer, and the hope he inspires.
“Saturday, there’s a million ‘what-ifs.’ Most of them are good.”
Alpha Media moved the live broadcast of the much-anticipated contest to its more powerful and #1-rated FM 97.3 KCLB ROCKS, which will also stream live around the globe at www.937kclb.com.
Anyone with a mobile device can catch the game, news, stats, rosters and more by simply downloading the free Coyote ‘YAPP.’ To download the Coyote ‘YAPP,’ search ‘SoCal Coyotes’ on iTunes or Android Market.
The four-time champion SoCal Coyotes open the commemorative 10th season of their fifth year, and have never lost a home opener. Marinovich will lead America’s #1 Developmental Football Program™ against a Sharks team that won on the road last week against the Los Angeles Scorpions.
After Saturday, all remaining Coyote games will resume on their flagship ESPN 103.9 FM of the SoCal Coyotes radio network.
