Wyatt Robb
Staff Writer
The Mustangs were able to bounce back from their loss to rival Redondo at home last week. Costa’s offense came to life Friday night, defeating Ventura High School, 34-24, on the road to advance to the second round of California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs.
After giving up a touchdown on the first drive of the game, the Mustangs looked slow, and unable to keep up with Ventura’s quick offense. However, a seemingly new Costa team entered after halftime, taking the lead and holding it.
“After the first half, we started to get used to their tempo,” sophomore safety Spencer Gilbert said. “We weren’t prepared for their speed. At halftime we made some key adjustments and that made all the difference.”
The Cougars got on the board first, scoring nearly three minutes into the game. Costa answered back by scoring on a run from junior quarterback David Arredondo. Ventura would eventually take the lead again, adding another touchdown and field goal before halftime.
“Ventura’s first touchdown was really a wake-up call,” Gilbert said. “It was a long drive to get there, so I think we were all a little sluggish.”
In the second half, scoring came easily for the Mustangs. Arredondo started out the third quarter by running for a touchdown, making the score 13-17. On the next drive, he hit junior receiver Chris Brown downfield for a 41 yard touchdown, putting Costa in the lead, 20-17. The Mustangs went on, scoring two more touchdowns while shutting out Ventura until the final minutes of the game.
“We knew going into the second half that the seniors might only have one half left to play,” Arredondo said. “We couldn’t let them to end their run here.”
Arredondo led the offense, contributing four rushing touchdowns and hitting receivers downfield on multiple occasions. Arredondo found a primary target in Brown, connecting with him for well over 100 yards.
“The offensive line made a huge improvement,”Arredondo said. “They made it a lot easier for the backs and I to work in the backfield.”
Costa’s outstanding second-half defense also contributed to the victory. The Mustang line stood strong, despite Ventura’s relentless rushing assault. Linebacker Jordan Fischer was able to disrupt the Cougars’ offense, accumulating a sack and around four tackles.
“Composure was a big key for us on defense,” Gilbert said. “ We were at their house. To come out and have a solid game was much more difficult.”
In the next round of CIF playoffs, Costa will face North High School (9-2) at home on Friday; the Saxons clinched their second round spot after defeating Agoura High School, 48-14.
“To be successful against North, we need to minimize their options,” Gilbert said. “We are also going to have to stay calm through the ups and downs of the game.”
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