By Alyssa Zucker
Staff Writer
Coming off its senior night win on Oct. 25, the Mira Costa football team finished second in Bay League after a crucial 45-38 win against Redondo Union High School on Nov. 2 on the road.
The Mustangs are now 7-3 overall and 4-1 in Bay League, second to Palos Verdes High School.
“I’m proud of how the team competed,” coach Don Morrow said. “With this win, we finished second in Bay League and are lucky enough to have a home game for the first playoff.”
Redondo was the first to score with a field goal. Costa tied up the game, 3-3, with a 20-yard field goal in the first quarter.
“We came out with a lot of fight,” senior quarterback Khalil McClain said. “However, we weren’t able to capitalize on every possession in the half.”
Senior running back Raphael Lawson-Gayle started off the second quarter with a touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 10-3 lead. Redondo answered with another field goal to make the score 10-6. Lawson-Gayle scored another touchdown, making the score 17-6 in favor of Costa.
“The win felt great, especially since we lost to Redondo last year,” Lawson-Gayle said. “Despite the mistakes we made, we were fortunate to get the win.”
During the second quarter, Redondo ran a fake punt on a fourth down to give it a first down. The Sea Hawks took advantage of the play with a touchdown to make the score 17-13, still in the Mustangs’ favor. Redondo ended the first half with a 40-yard field goal, leaving the Mustangs with a lead of only 17-16.
“The first half was filled with ups and downs,” senior running back Jack Hadley said. “We were able to capitalize better than in the early part of the game.”
McClain scored early in the third quarter to make the score 24-16, Costa. On defense, senior defensive lineman Connor Riley recovered a fumble for the Mustangs, which led to another touchdown by McClain.
This score was shortly followed by two Seahawk touchdowns, making the score 31-29. Redondo went for a two-point conversion and tied the game at 31-31. Lawson-Gayle scored again to take back the lead at 38-31, Mustangs. Sophomore linebacker Dane Largent had an interception to end the third quarter.
“I have to thank Brandon Mills for tipping the ball for me to help me get the interception,” Largent said. “Overall, we played a solid [third] quarter.”
Lawson-Gayle scored his fourth and final touchdown of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter, making his total yard count 210. Redondo answered with a touchdown. The game ended with a score of 45-38 Mustangs.
“As a team, we are looking to get better throughout the playoffs,” senior quarterback Ryan Sweigart said.
The Mustangs play their first round of CIF at Waller Stadium tonight at 7 p.m. against Highland High School.
“We’re going to keep our practices competitive,” Morrow said. “As long as we’re improving, we will find a way to win.”
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