Sophia Vaughan
Staff Writer
Despite a valiant effort, the Mustangs’ playoff run came to an end with a 34-16 loss to South Hills High School.
Football lost to South Hills on Nov. 9 in the second round of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoffs. Costa entered the game ready to take some risks.
“In the second half we did not execute as well as we would have liked and that cost us offensively,” Carpino said.
The first quarter was a rocky start for the Mustangs, as they immediately gave up two touchdowns. However, the Mustangs answered with a 71 yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Brody Mckinnon, closing out the quarter trailing 14-7.
“It gave our team a boost, which we needed,” Mckinnon said. “That touchdown showed everyone that we weren’t going to give up so easily.”
The Mustangs defense was strong in the second quarter, managing to keep South Hills scoreless. Late in the half, Costa’s offense made an impact as Carpino found senior wide receiver Matt Harry for a 62 yard touchdown on a double pass trick play. The half ended with South Hills leading 14-13.
“It felt great to respond and possibly tie the game up,” Harry said. “We did not get the extra point to fall but the momentum was definitely on our side going into the second half.”
The third quarter proved to be a challenge for the Mustang offense, as the Huskies defense repeatedly put pressure on Carpino in the backfield. However, the Mustangs were able to convert on a 38 yard field goal, putting Costa ahead 16-14. The lead was short lived as South Hills executed a passing touchdown and then recovered a Mira Costa fumble. The quarter ended 27-16.
“We were trying to attack deep for the most part, but when they brought the pressure we knew we needed to get the ball out earlier,” Harry said.
The fourth quarter was once again a struggle for Costa, as their defense was unable to stop their opponent and their offensive line couldn’t keep Carpino protected from the aggressive South Hills pash rush. South Hills scored a late touchdown winning the game 34-16.
“I feel like we could have ran quicker routes, so I could have gotten the ball out faster and not have had to throw the ball away as much,” Carpino said.
The Mustangs ended the season with a 7-5 record. The team placed second in Bay League and defeated Redondo Union for the first time in four years.
“I feel like it was a very successful season for us, but it also had a very sad ending,” Carpino said.
Leave a Reply