Eric Brodkin
Staff Writer
On August 26, 2022, the Mustangs had a tough loss to St. Francis, beginning their 2022 season. The teams were neck and neck for the entire game, however they could not capitalize and come out with a win.
“I thought [the players] were great against a pretty good team,” Head Coach Don Morrow said. “We got a couple of holding penalties that we need to try to shorten up a bit, but other than that I am proud of them.”
The Mustangs were in the lead, winning the first quarter 7-3. Senior, Matthew Kraskouskas, started the game off strong with a rushing touchdown. According to sophomore Luke Phillips who was at the game, Kraskouskas went on to have an explosive game, scoring multiple touchdowns. He was prominent in helping the offensive line throughout the game with a total of 70 rushing and 70 receiving yards.
“Kraskouskas was definitely one of the star players in the game. I knew that everytime he was given the ball he would help out the team,” Phillips said. “He made this one play where he broke through multiple tackles and scored a touchdown. You could tell he was fired up throughout the game.”
According to Phillips, the crowd was electric throughout the game. The stands were filled creating an exciting atmosphere for the players and spectators. Sophomore quarterback, Nico De La Cruz, received lots of support from the student section throughout the game. He agreed the crowd was very supportive as it was his first varsity game.
“It felt great to hear the fans chanting my name because it really made me feel a part of the team and wonderful Mira Costa family,” De La Cruz said. “The fans were really excited and were trying to cheer us on for the win.”
In his first varsity performance, De La Cruz didn’t shy away from risky throws. He had multiple throws that were 20 yards or more, which was crucial in long, 3rd down conversions. De La Cruz threw for 478 yards along with 4 passing touchdowns. He led his team to a late comeback run that gave the players and fans hope. Despite the tough loss for the Mustangs, De La Cruz showed the crowd what they could expect for the rest of the season.
“I was nervous before the game but I was a lot more excited,” De La Cruz said. “I have been working for this moment throughout the spring and summer. What helped calm my nerves was I kept telling myself that I belong here.”
After halftime, the Golden Knights went on a dominating third quarter run, ending the quarter 10 points ahead. With the score being 31-21 entering the fourth, the Mustangs had to hunker down and close the game. They inched slowly back into the game with two critical touchdowns from senior wide receiver, Cole Crotty. The Mustang defense could not stop the Golden Knights from scoring late in the game.
The Mustangs put this loss behind them, as they get ready to face Mayfair High School on Friday, Sept 2 at 7 PM at home.
“The most improvement has taken place in between game 1 and game 2,” Coach Morrow said. “Hopefully that will be the case for this week.”
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