Jacob Verket
Staff Writer
On a day where Mira Costa inducted distinguished alumni into the Costa Hall of Fame, the Costa football team played in hopes of one day being in their position.
In the first home game of the season on Sept. 20, Costa defeated South Torrance High School, 60-7.
Senior wide receiver Harrison Morrow scored four touchdowns and also intercepted a pass in the second quarter that he almost returned for six more points. Before this game, Morrow had never scored a touchdown while playing for Costa.
“We practiced hard to correct our errors and after preparing ourselves, we did not take the game against South lightly,” Morrow said. “Our offense played a great game, and our defense did not let up and constantly stayed persistent.”
The Mustangs started off with a strong defensive stop in South’s first possession. When the Mustangs regained the ball, senior quarterback Greg Briskin led the team down the field, capping off the drive with a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver and cornerback P.J. Onusconich.
“This win was really important for our team after a rough start in the season because the game showed that we can fight back in any situation” senior running back Sebastian Franck-Love said.
“But our defensive game has been dominant, and we are continuing to improve our plays each week at practice to become physically and mentally stronger.”
While Costa went three and out to start the second quarter, running back and outside lineman junior Tre Searcy quickly regained the ball with a fumble recovery. Searcy then scored the third touchdown, making it 20-0 after a fumbled snap on the extra point.
“Our kids worked hard in practice, studied in the film room, and they worked with a lot of intensity,” coach Ray Lee said. “The boys train hard throughout the week because we are always looking to improve our game.”
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Silvera threw a deep pass to Morrow for his second touchdown of the game, then Costa intercepted a pass to set up the third touchdown for Silvera and Briskin.
“The way we came together at home for the big win was amazing.” Morrow said. “It felt really great to represent Costa, and I know that as a team we are ready to take on the Loyola Cubs.”
The Spartans got inside the red zone for the first time late in the second quarter but failed to get a first down. Silvera then ran a two-minute drill, hitting Morrow for his fourth and final touchdown reception with 13 seconds left in the half.
“In practice we focused hard on our passing attack to become a more balanced team and to add on to our tremendous running game,” junior receiver Jonathan Quinn said. “Morrow played a fantastic game, and our two quarterbacks had a great night.”
Two touchdown runs from senior running back Tanner Otto and one more from Franck-Love in the second half added to the Mustang win with a final score of 60-7. Costa’s preseason record is now 2-1.
“We scored a lot of touchdowns in the game against South because our running game was strong and focused,” Franck-Love said. “They stacked the box and did not cover the receivers.”
The Mustangs will face Loyola High School in a non-league game on Friday at Los Angeles Valley College at 7 p.m.
“We are definitely going to have to be on top of our running game,” Franck-Love said. “We have played Loyola many times, so we know it is going to be a back-and-fourth game. Our passing game needs to be consistent in order to win the game.”
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