By Sophia Vaughn
Staff Writer
Despite an impressive effort by Mira Costa, the Mustangs were unable to send the South Hills Huskies to the doghouse.
The Mustangs lost to the Huskies 50-20 at Mira Costa High School on September 21st. The Mustangs faced a talented Huskies side who had a strong passing and run game. The team also struggled to avoid pressure and execute on offense, senior quarterback Nick Carpino said.
“I think we need to start stronger. Our second half was pretty good on offense, but in the first half we struggled moving the football, “ Carpino said. “We just need to put points on the board early.”
On the first Huskies drive, the Mustangs managed to hold South Hills to a field goal, as senior cornerback Jake Salazar covered the Huskies tight end at a critical moment. However, the Huskies offense proved challenging for Costa’s defense as the Huskies scored on their next drive on a quarterback keeper, making the score 10-0. Two more Huskies touchdowns, a forced Mustang safety, and missed opportunities on offense left the Mustangs scoreless, with the Huskies leading 26-0 at the half.
“Going into the second half I just felt we needed to play; we were thinking too much and not playing like we should,” Carpino said.
West scored again on their opening drive. However, Carpino responded with a running touchdown, putting the Mustangs back in the game, 33-7 as the third quarter came to a close. In the fourth quarter Carpino was able to execute a pass to sophomore wide receiver Brody McKinnon who avoided pressure and took off into the endzone for a touchdown. Carpino made a critical pass to junior wide receiver Luke Weaver for another touchdown. South Hills gained momentum again by scoring two more touchdowns, and a critical Mustang fumble on punt return prevented the Mustangs from making a comeback, losing 50-20.
“I was just trying to get some points on the board for our team so we could get back in it and fight for more,” Weaver said.
The Mustangs, now 2-3 overall, will begin league play next Friday with their first conference game of the season. Costa will face the Palos Verdes Sea Kings at home. The Mustangs are looking to improve their physicality on defense next week, said senior linebacker Slade Gordon.
“Next week we’re going to start practice with a lot more intensity and try to see who can play their position best,” Weaver said. “We want to shock Palos Verdes and fight to the end with them.”
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