By Regan Estes
Sports Editor
The Mira Costa football team ended its season on Nov. 18 with a 43-10 loss to Oaks Christian High School in the first round of CIF. The Mustangs ended the season with an overall record of 5-7.
The team’s 33 point loss does not reflect the performance of the team’s senior top rushers Steve Giovati and Brandon Edmond. The pair rushed for 57 and 59 yards, respectively. Junior quarterback Ryan Sweigart found junior receiver Raphael Lawson-Gale multiple times for short gains.
Though the team failed to make it past the first round of CIF, the season overall saw major strides and improvements that can be utilized next season.
“Obviously the season didn’t end the way we’d hoped,” coach Don Morrow said. “We did our best and unfortunately it wasn’t enough, but I know the guys tried.”
Despite losing the first game of the season to rival Loyola, the team bounced back to defeat Inglewood in a 17-0 shutout. Junior quarterback Alex Cuevas had a touchdown pass in the game and Giovati rushed for one of many touchdowns he would score throughout the season. This was also Giovati’s first 100 yard rushing game.
After falling to 1-4 after a three game losing streak falling to Serra, Chaminade, and Newport Harbor, the Mustangs pulled off a much needed victory against West Torrance in their first game of Bay League.
“I started to get more comfortable with what we were trying to do offensively in Bay League,” Sweigart said.
The victory was an important for Edmond as he broke a record for highest amount of rushing yards in the South Bay for the season. Edmond had two touchdowns in the game and carried 27 times for 390 yards.
“He had a huge game for us,” Morrow said. “That was a huge night for him and it really shows his skill and his heart.”
Though the Mustangs lost their next game to Palos Verdes High School, defensive pressure by defensive linemen Quinn Goldman, Bret Gerten, and RJ Coleman in the first quarter was a highlight for the Mustangs. Edmond and Giovati again demonstrated the strength in Costa’s rushing game. The loss would drop the Mustangs’ record to 1-1 in Bay League.
Costa faced Peninsula High School in their next game and dominated the Panthers in a 31-8 victory to improve their Bay League record to 2-1. Edmond continued his success with two touchdowns in the second half. To compliment an explosive offense, the Costa defense allowed just eight points. Senior defensive back Quincy Brown forced two turnovers in the game that resulted in Mustang touchdowns. Lawson-Gale and Giovati both had rushing touchdowns to further drive up the score.
Following such a commanding win, the Mustangs continued their momentum and shut out Leuzinger High School 55-0 to make their Bay League record 3-1. Sweigart completed 7 of 11 passes for 90 yards and Lawson-Gale had two touchdowns.
“We did a lot of things that were specific to getting Raphy the ball in space and letting him make a play,” Sweigart said.
In their last Bay League game of the season, the Mustangs fell to their rival Redondo Union High School. Despite the score, senior running back Alec Weaver had the team’s only touchdown and Sweigart found Lawson-Gale multiple times, though the completions did not result in a score.
The Mustangs had a dominant rushing game thanks to seniors Edmond and Giovati. Costa had three starting quarterbacks throughout the season. Cuevas started the season, senior Chase Caprio followed, and Sweigart finished the season. Each quarterback won a game for the Mustangs and contributed to the success.
“Spring football begins in May and we’ll reevaluate the positions and give everyone a chance to demonstrate their skill,” Morrow said. “We’re looking forward to next season.”
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