By Regan Estes
Sports Editor
Fresh off of a shutout win over Inglewood, the Mira Costa football team prepared to face a team that has lost just two games in the past three seasons.
The Serra High School Cavaliers’ offense proved tough to defend against Mira Costa. A 40-yard touchdown pass from Serra’s sophomore quarterback Jalen Greene to junior wide receiver Marques Rogers after just three minutes of play would serve as a preview to the rest of the game for Costa.
The Mustangs found themselves facing a huge deficit early in the game and were never able to rebuild themselves offensively or defensively. The team is now 1-2 after being shut out 33-0 by the Cavaliers.
“We played poorly on offense, defense and special teams,” coach Don Morrow said. “We were just all-around sloppy in every aspect of the game.”
After Serra went up 7-0, the Mustangs were unable to answer. The defense faltered, and just two passes later, the Cavaliers led the Mustangs by another touchdown. However, Cavaliers’ senior kicker Eddie Garcia missed the kicking attempt at the extra point. At the end of the first quarter, the Mustangs trailed 13-0.
“We got them in multiple third and long situations, but we couldn’t force them to punt,” Morrow said. “I take full responsibility for that. I was just plain out-coached.”
Cavalier senior running back Thomas Brown then carried the ball for a touchdown. This put the Mustangs down, 20-0, at the start of the second quarter.
“It was hard going against an opponent that is so athletic and dynamic in every aspect of the game,” senior offensive lineman Andrew Bichlmeier said.
Neither team scored again until the Cavaliers rushed for a touchdown with just under two minutes to play at the end of the first half. The Mustangs aided the Cavaliers’ efforts with a 10-yard give-away as the result of a holding penalty.
“I don’t think we performed at the level we are capable of,” senior quarterback Chase Caprio said. “We have some flaws that we need to work on in the upcoming weeks in order to be prepared for league and the CIF play-offs.”
As the third quarter began, on third and 10, a pass completed to Serra’s sophomore wide receiver David Williams brought up fourth and inches. Serra went for a first down, and the play resulted in a rushing touchdown to extend their lead to 27-0.
Facing a third and goal on the one yard line, Brown carried the ball for a touchdown. Serra missed the the extra point attempt, and the Cavaliers led the Mustangs 33-0 at the end of the third quarter.
The Mustangs came close to scoring in the fourth quarter. After driving the ball down the field with the help of seniors Brandon Edmonds and Steve Giovati, a personal foul called on Serra gave the Mustangs a first and goal on the 10-yard line.
“At first, our offense was not doing as well as we hoped we’d do,” Caprio said. “But once we got toward the end zone, the tempo really picked up.”
Junior quarterback Alex Cuevas threw a short and quick pass into the end zone, but it was intercepted at the goal line by Cavaliers’ sophomore defensive back Glen Ihenacho.
When the fourth quarter clock finally expired, the Cavaliers had shut out and defeated the Mustangs, 33-0.
Costa hosts Chaminade High School on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at Waller Stadium. The Mustangs look to improve their overall record to .500 with a win at home.
“I think we’re pretty good,” Bichlmeier said. “We have a very difficult schedule that shapes us for league, and by the time we start playing league matches, we should be ready to compete at a very high level.”
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