Andrew Fasano
Staff Writer
The Mustangs were defeated by the La Serna High School Lancers 32-28 at home on Friday night. Despite leading 21-7 at halftime, the team was unable to hold on to keep the win.
The Mustangs started the game strong with a 51 yard touchdown run from senior quarterback David Arredondo. Earlier on that drive, Arredondo broke free for a 30 yard gain putting the Mustangs at half field.
Even though the Mustangs began to collapse in the fourth quarter, defensively they played well, according to junior Cody Kallenbach. Kallenbach recorded 12 tackles throughout the game including two sacks.
“In the first half we were doing what we were supposed to, making key defensive plays,” Kallenbach said, “The fourth quarter is where we had some slip ups which included miss guarding which should have been accounted for.”
In the start of the second quarter, La Serna scored a quick equalizing touchdown. On the very next drive, Arredondo was able to connect with senior Casey Bonner for 56 yards and the 14-7 lead. Bonner was also able to tally four more receptions by the end of the game.
“I think that some of my catches were a symbol of what we can do as a team but you have to look at David who is throwing the ball well,” Bonner said. “It just makes the team want to play so much harder knowing we have the momentum on our side.”
To start off the fourth quarter, junior Jonah Tavai was able to bulldoze his way into the endzone for a three yard score increasing the Mustangs win margin to 16. After that drive, La Serna was able to come back, putting 20 points on the board in three consecutive drives.
“I’m not super positive on what happened and we’re gonna have to fix up our pass defense, as that was what lead them back into the game,” head coach Don Morrow said. “It was a very tough result but we fought hard and I was happy with the effort.”
In the first quarter, senior kicker Zack Saros was sent into the locker rooms with a groin injury and was unable to return to action, leaving Arredondo to fill in. After going one for two, Arredondo too suffered a minor hamstring issue, forcing sophomore kicker Jack Austin to come in and sink an extra point.
“Thankfully David nor Zack’s injury is nothing to be too concerned about,” Morrow said. “David just suffered from a few cramps. A combination of a good diet and proper rest should prevent this from happening again in the future.”
The Mustangs, now 1-1 overall will hope to bounce back as they prepare for their home game against El Segundo High School on Friday. According to assistant coach Cameron Chow, the team is hoping to come back strong.
“We’re looking forward to playing a team with a lot of people that our team grew up playing football with,” Chow said. “It’s also a fun little across town rivalry.”
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