Eric Brodkin
Executive Sports Editor
Costa started off the Season 0-3 and was looking to get a win at home against San Juan Hills. According to junior quarterback, Nico De La Cruz, they expected this team to be difficult to beat.
“We did expect this team to give us a challenge coming into the game,” De La Cruz said. “They want to win just as much as we do and they are a very skilled team.”
The Mustangs started off the game strong, going up 7-0 in the first quarter, with a passing touchdown caught by sophomore wide receiver Luke Meeker. After a failed offensive possession by the Stallions, the Mustangs took advantage of an opportunity and De La Cruz completed a 30-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Reese Leonard.
“Our offense worked so well in the first half because we were having a much faster tempo,” De La Cruz said. “We had a couple of new plays one of which being the touchdown to Reese.”
The Mustang defense was able to shut out the Stallion offense in the first quarter, which ended in the second as they let up 14 points going into halftime. According to junior safety Eli Cebula, the defense motivated the offense to continue to score while the defense was doing its job.
“Our defense mostly gave the offense the motivation,” Cebula said. “Playing one of the best offensive teams in the state and letting up zero points in the first quarter was huge. It would’ve been great to be able to continue to score and also defend our end zone.”
After coming out of halftime with the Mustangs being up 17 to 14, it was a slow third quarter for both teams. Turnovers, failed drives, and strong defense was the theme for the quarter. Both teams were unable to score any points, which led to a close fourth-quarter finish. The Mustangs entered the fourth quarter up three, looking for the win against the Stallions.
“Our offense this year has been having a little trouble running the ball and keeping the ball in our hands to control the clock,” De La Cruz said. “We have been built to score quickly and score fast but when we need to control the ball and take time off the clock, that hasn’t been working.”
San Juan Hills dominated the 4th quarter, after turnovers by the Mustangs gave the Stallions momentum. The Stallions outscored the Mustangs 14 to 3 to close out the game. A late fourth-quarter push and a crucial interception thrown by De La Cruz in the last three minutes, gave the Stallions the lead and a 28-20 win against the Mustangs. According to Cebula, the team had the win in their grasp, but lost it at the end.
“The defense could’ve finished the game and powered through, along with the rest of the team,” Cebula said. “We had them beat but just lost it at the end.”
According to Cebula, as they put this past week’s loss behind them, they plan to prepare for this week with lots of energy. The Mustangs face Villa Park High School tonight at 7 p.m. at Waller Stadium.
“We are preparing with a lot of run defense and energy,” Cebula said. “We have to start the game strong and end it while beating down on their run offense.
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