Online Sports Editor
Cole Garvey
The Mustangs dominated the Canyon High Cowboys in CIF playoffs due to their high powered offense and strong defense.
Mira Costa’s football team put together another strong playoff performance against the Canyon High School Cowboys on Saturday, Nov 19. The Mustangs defeated the Cowboys 45-28 in the CIF Southern Section Playoffs.
“Great overall team win. We expected them to go 100% on every down, and we were prepared for their different offensive schemes, and knew how to score on their defense,” sophomore Jackson Fischer said.
In the first quarter, Costa started the scoring by converting a field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. Canyon fired back with a rushing touchdown late in the quarter to go up 7-3 going to the 2nd.
“They had a fast and strong offense, but our defense was up to the task of defending them all game,” sophomore Jackson Fischer said.
The Mustangs’ offense dominated the second quarter with a pair of touchdowns. Junior quarterback, Nick Carpino, connected with junior receiver Eddie Burga-Donovan on a 24 yard touchdown pass. Shorty after, senior Jonah Tavai hurdled into the end zone increasing the Mustangs’ lead to 17-7. The Cowboys capitalized on a touchdown pass late in the quarter to get within striking distance and end the quarter, 17-14.
“We worked hard all week and played great as a team. We moved the ball well and played solid defense. We went into the game with a great mindset knowing good things were going to happen,” junior Eddie Burga-Donovan said.
Both offenses continued to excel in the second half. The Cowboys opened the scoring on a 50 yard rushing touchdown to take a 21-17 lead. The Mustangs responded with an incredible double pass resulting in a touchdown. On their next drive, Costa scored again on a 48 yard rushing touchdown by senior Evanson Frank-Love. Both Costa and Canyon were able to score again before the end of the quarter with the Mustangs holding a 38-28 lead going into the fourth.
“We had a great gameplan and our guys executed very well. We ran the ball hard and our receivers were getting open, just an all around team win,” junior Nick Carpino said.
The Mustangs got the stops they needed in the fourth quarter, shutting out the Cowboys and adding to their lead with another touchdown run from Evanson Frank-Love. The game ended with the Mustangs winning by a score of 45-28.
“We had to win for our seniors, knowing that they may never step onto a football field to play ever again,” junior Koda Thormodsgaard said.
The Mustangs, now 2-0 in CIF and 6-6 on the season, will advance to the Semifinals to face the Golden Valley Grizzlies on Friday, Nov. 24 at home. The Mustangs must win to keep their CIF Championship hopes alive.
“Our team has really come together in the playoffs, and we want to fight as hard as we can for our brothers,” junior Koda Thormodsgaard said.
Leave a Reply