By Jacob Verket
Sports Editor
The Mustangs had a chance to defeat the Warriors in the fourth quarter, but West fought back with 14 consecutive points in the final two minutes to push the game into overtime. The game almost went to double overtime, but a goal-line defensive stand by Costa gave the Mustangs a 28-21 win over the previously undefeated Warriors. Costa improves to a 4-2 overall record and 1-0 record in Bay League.
“It definitely feels good to get revenge because they beat us last year,” senior running back Sebastian Franck-Love said. “It really feels good to be 1-0 in Bay League this season.”
In the first quarter, Franck-Love scored from 21 yards out for his first of three touchdowns of the game. However, the Mustangs fumbled the ball on their next possession.
“It is all thanks to my offensive line and my fullback,” Franck-Love said. “My teammates played an important part.”
Senior quarterback Greg Briskin started off the second quarter with a one-yard sneak across the goal line. Senior running back Brandon Mills then picked off West senior quarterback Zach Heeger, but Costa was unable to score, entering halftime 14-0. The third quarter produced no scores. Numerous penalties on the Mustangs cost them yardage.
“These players pride themselves in getting ready for any possible situation,” coach Don Morrow said.
West scored a touchdown to start the fourth quarter, but Franck-Love responded with an 11-yard touchdown run, making the score 21-7. West responded with a touchdown in the final minute of the game. The Warriors then recovered an onside kick to regain possession of the ball.
“Coaches are trained to not feel like it’s over,” Morrow said. “They made a great play. We should have recovered the onside kick.”
West started down the field, scoring a touchdown with 15 seconds to go, making it 21-20. After considering a two-point conversion, West kicked the extra point.
“It was a wild night,” Morrow said. “The kids were fired up. It’s kind of cool to see the stadium filled up.”
Starting overtime at the Warriors’ 25-yard line, Franck-Love led off the drive with a 13-yard carry. Frank-Love then scored his third touchdown of the night on the next play, finishing with 218 rushing yards.
The Warriors started their overtime possession at Costa’s 25 yard line, and they drove the ball down to the Mustangs’ 2-yard line, needing to score a touchdown. West then attempted a trick play on the fourth down, pretending to audible as they snapped the ball to West junior running back Brett Ojiyi. Costa’s defense came up with a stop, resulting in a Mustang victory.
“I don’t think anyone saw that play coming,” defensive coordinator Ray Lee said. “[Senior lineman] Khalil Sonko made a good play.”
Costa faces rival Palos Verdes tonight at home. The game will be airing on Fox Sports Prep Zone.
“Palos Verdes is a very sound team, being a two-time champion of Bay League, so it’s going to be a tough game,” Morrow said. “If we want to be Bay League champions, we have to beat them.”
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