By: Anthony Sanchez and Sam Shaw
The Costa Mesa High School Mustangs played their cross-town rival, Estancia High School, for the Battle of the Bell trophy. The sports consisted of girls volleyball, girls tennis, girls flag football, and boys football. This was one of the most anticipated weeks in Costa Mesa. Who would take home the bell?
Girls Volleyball
The girls volleyball game was played at Costa Mesa High School and was played on Monday, August 24 vs. Estancia High School. The Mustangs swept the Eagles on all 3 levels: frosh, JV, and varsity. The score for varsity was 3-0. The first set was very close until the end, and the Mustangs came out on top with a final score of 25-23. Moving forward, the second set wasn’t as close, with a final score of 25-18. The Mustangs were already up 2-0, and going into the final set, they were feeling super confident and beat the Eagles 25-6, leading them to victory. The Mustangs bring home the bell with a final score of 3-0.
Girls Tennis
The girls tennis Battle of the Bell match was played on Tuesday, August 25 vs. the Estancia Eagles. The Mustangs are currently 1-0 vs. the Eagles during the Battle of the Bell week. This game was played at Estancia High School, and the Eagles beat the Mustangs 15-3. After this game, the Eagles and Mustangs are currently tied 1-1 so far.
Girls Flag Football
The girls flag football Battle of the Bell game was played Wednesday, August 25 at Estancia High School; it was a close and intense game with the Eagles coming out on top with a score of 7-6. On the other hand, the Mustang JV team came out victorious, winning 13-0. #0 Valeria Diaz and #21 Ryder Brengel both scored a touchdown, giving the Mustangs the win.
Boys Football
Finally, one of the most anticipated Battles of the Bell Games of the year, boys football. Costa Mesa High School’s football team was playing their cross-town rivals in enemy territory. Estancia High School’s football team was looking to keep the bell while the Mustangs were fighting to take home the bell themselves.
People were already showing up an hour before the game had even started. The Mustangs received the ball first, and after just a couple of minutes had passed, the Mustangs scored their first touchdown. They were up 6-0. The student section was electric, and paper towels were flying everywhere, and people were jumping up and down screaming; it was crazy. It didn’t get much better for the Eagles, as going into halftime the Mustangs led the Eagles 20-0.
During halftime, the Marines announced that the Mustangs had won the pull-up contest with ease. After halftime the Eagles finally scored on a kickoff. Making the score 20-7. After several more Mustang touchdowns, the Mustangs close the game out, winning 41-7.
#14 Matthew Barrientes led the Costa Mesa Mustangs to victory, beating the Eagles 41-7. Matthew threw for an outstanding 269 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the other hand, #5 Gavin Garza ran the ball for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns, making him the game MVP. Lastly, #2 Jack Shafiyoon had 6 receptions for 86 yards, leading the Mustang receiving group. This game’s atmosphere was absolutely crazy, and the Mustangs start the season off 1-1.
(via @era.shoots Instagram)
