Staff Writer
Wyatt Robb
The ranking of La Serna High School, number three in the California Interscholastic Federation Southeast Division, was not able to stop the Mustangs from surpassing the Lancers in both score and skills during their second non-league game.
Mira Costa’s win took place at Pioneer High School on Sept 10. Costa won the game, 17-14, adding another win to its undefeated 2-0 record.
“As a defensive unit, we took La Serna’s quick offense as a challenge,” sophomore safety Spencer Gilbert said. “We had some trouble stopping their running game but were able to hold them in the fourth quarter.”
The Mustang offense gained 193 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. Costa’s starting quarterback David Arredondo’s two touchdowns allowed the Mustangs to get ahead of La Serna.
“I think we played really well for the most part, but I would like to have more consistency on offense,” coach Donald Morrow said.
Gilbert led the Mustangs with two interceptions. His first was on La Serna’s first drive of the game. In the first quarter, Gilbert’s interception allowed the Mustangs to score their first touchdown of the night.
“Gilbert really stood out as an important and talented player in this game,” Arredondo said. “His big plays on defense really added to the momentum of the game.”
La Serna responded to Costa’s touchdown by scoring one of its own. Off a 41-yard drive, the Lancers’ offense tied the game, 7-7, in the first half.
“The key to success was our ability to stay tough,” Gilbert said. “That was really important when La Serna started to catch up.”
A pass from Arredondo to senior receiver Tino Sione allowed Costa to score yet again. The Mustangs were hanging on tight to their lead, 17-7, going into halftime.
“La Serna was a very good team, and we had to fight to stay ahead during the second half,” Gilbert said. “They played relentlessly until the end.”
Despite Costa’s lead, La Serna would not back down. As the third quarter came to a close, the Lancers scored a touchdown, which kept them in the game.
“I loved the effort put in,” Morrow said. “Everyone was working hard and playing physically.”
Costa finished the game strong, and its fourth-quarter defensive plays secured the win. Big hits from sophomore running back and defensive linebacker Jonah Tavai and an almost unbreakable secondary kept La Serna from scoring. Gilbert’s second interception in the final two minutes of the game sealed the Mustangs’ victory.
“In my opinion, we could have played better,” Gilbert said. “But, it’s still early in the season, and now we know exactly what we need to work on for the upcoming games.”
Costa’s next game will be at home against Trabuco Hills High School tonight at 7 p.m. Trabuco Hills has not won a game this year and is 0-3.
“Trabuco Hills will be another hard fought game,” Arredondo said. “We’re going to have work hard to execute our game plan.”
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