By Alyssa Zucker
Staff Writer
Fresh off of its win against Inglewood, the Mira Costa football team hosted Serra High School on Friday September 7 in its first home game of the season. The team lost by a score of 27-20. The Mustangs were the underdogs going into the game, as Serra is ranked 32 in the nation and seventh in the state.
With starting quarterback, senior Ryan Sweigart, injured, junior Kahlil McClain had only a few days to learn the entire Costa offense.
“I am very proud of our team,” Sweigart said. “We fought really hard and I wish I could of played. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Costa made a game changing interception that turned into a Mustang touchdown later in the series to give Costa a 7-0 lead. Senior return man Raphael Lawson-Gayle returned the kick for a 90-yard touchdown to take the lead back at 14-13. An 18 yard-run from junior running back Brandon Mills set up senior running back Josh Qerbash with a one yard touchown to make the score 20-13.
“When I returned the kick off into a touchdown it felt amazing,” Lawson-Gayle said. “The crowd cheering my name is one of the best feelings in the world.”
Serra had two unanswered touchdowns to make the score 27-20. Costa had a chance to tie it up on the 14-yard line late in the fourth quarter, but could not execute.
“I feel like we could have done better,” senior reciever Zach Primm said. “It was a hard game and we fought hard as a team.”
Costa faces South Torrence on the road on Friday September 14.
Leave a Reply