By: Jackson Burke and Alex Smyth
Costa Mesa had their first Friday Night Lights game as they kicked off the season against Notre Dame Riverside. The Stampede were pumped up for their first game at Mustang Field. With a rally on the first day, an amazing hype-up video played, and a brand-new group of Mesa Maniacs, the Mustangs were ready to go. This year’s team is led by senior captains QB Matthew Barrientes, TE/DE Vance Kirby, LB Louis Areolla, and RB Gavin Garza. Whether the Mustangs won or lost this game, it was going to be a show.
Mesa ended their season last year with a 9-2 record, making it to the first round of CIF playoffs. Due to their high performance and finishing 5-0 in their league last year, they got bumped up a division. They moved on from the Tango League to the Sigma League. This year our opponents in our league are Ocean View, Anaheim, Rancho Alamitos, Saddleback, and Katella. Coach Gonzalez and the Mustangs hope to carry their dominance into this next season.
After 287 long days, the stampede was finally back. The game kicked off, and the student section was rocking. Both defenses were lockdown in the first quarter. The game was tied 0-0 deep in the first quarter when Notre Dame intercepted a pass and ran it all the way back for the touchdown. The Titans converted the 2-point conversion, putting them up 8-0 after the 1st. The Mustangs didn’t let this affect them. Instead of giving up, they fought back. TE Vance Kirby scored the Mustangs’ first touchdown of the season, and WR Jack Shafiyoon tied up the game, converting the 2-pt conversion. The Mustangs wouldn’t let up, though; not long later, RB Gavin Garza punched in the go-ahead touchdown. The extra point was no good, but Costa Mesa was up 14-8 at half.
The fans and student section were pumped after leading at half, the band was playing hype music, and the Maniacs were going crazy. Top-ranked running back Gavin Garza had a rushing touchdown and about 50 rushing yards, and he was hungry for more. During halftime, senior captain Vance Kirby took leadership and encouraged his teammates to finish the game out strong. Notre Dame came out of half strong, scoring a touchdown and converting the 2-pt to take the lead. They didn’t stop there, scoring 2 more in the 3rd to take the lead 30-14. With their backs against the wall, the Mustangs put up a score of their own as Vance Kirby made another astounding touchdown, hauling it in with one hand. Unfortunately that wasn’t enough as Notre Dame took the dub, the final score being 36-22.
The Mustangs’ leaders showed out this game; Gavin Garza finished the game with 1 rushing touchdown and 121 all-purpose yards while Vance Kirby ended with 2 receiving touchdowns. The Mustangs’ offense and defense looked strong this game; just some small mistakes resulted in their loss.
Mesa starts their season off 0-1, and our next game is the battle of the bell against Estancia. This rivalry game is going to be heated, and the Mustangs plan on taking the bell from the Eagles.
