Sophia Vaughan
Staff Writer
The Mira Costa Mustangs sent the Woodrow Wilson Bruins on a long trip back to Long Beach last Friday, winning 41-20.
The Mustangs beat Woodrow Wilson High School on November 2nd at home, 41-20. The win has kept the Mustangs on the road to a ring, as they advance to round two of the Division 6 CIF Football Playoffs. Costa’s ability to put points on the board on offense and head Coach Don Morrow’s play calling on defense led to Costa’s success on Friday night, junior linebacker David Bugdanowitz said.
“Since our offensive is so dynamic and puts up so many points, we’re able to play aggressively on defense, “ Bugdanowitz said. “The more we can get the ball back in Nick’s [senior quarterback Nick Carpino’s] hands the easier our job becomes.”
The Mustangs charged into the first half with a fifteen yard touchdown pass by Carpino to senior wide receiver Matt Harry, to give the Mustangs a 7-0 lead. Senior running back Koda Thormodsgaard put more points on the board for the Mustangs with a rushing touchdown, which was answered by the Bruins, who missed the extra point, making the score 14-6. Another Carpino pass to sophomore wide receiver Richard Kick for a touchdown was once again answered by a Woodrow Wilson rushing touchdown and successful two point conversion. As the clock ticked down, however, Mira Costa responded with a Carpino play action to senior tight end Eddie Burga-Donovan, giving Costa a 27-14 lead at the half.
“It felt great to strike first because in big time games it’s always a huge advantage to grab the momentum early, “ Harry said.
After another Woodrow Wilson touchdown and a scoreless third quarter for Costa, the power of the Mustang offense reemerged in the fourth when Carpino passed to sophomore wide receiver Brody McKinnon for the touchdown. Costa closed out the game when Richard Kick intercepted a Bruin ball and ran in for a thirty-five yard pick six, making the final score 41-20. Four fumble recoveries by the Mustang defense also contributed to to the victory.
“As a team we’ve really focused on winning the turnover battle, “ junior David Bugdanowitz said. “We’ve been successful over the last few weeks and we’re going to maintain that focus.”
The Mustangs, now 7-4, will face the South Hills Huskies at Mira Costa next Friday at 7. The game will be a challenging rematch for Costa, as the Mustangs lost to the Huskies 40-18 earlier this season. The Mustang offense hopes to convert in the redzone this time around against South Hills, Harry said.
“It’s really about us thinking fast, hitting hard, and playing for each other. It’s going to be a home game so we’re looking forward to another pumped up Costa crowd, “ Bugdanowitz said.
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