Mira Mesa Mauraders 19 Patriots 14

Talk about a roller coaster of a game. The ebb and flow, going back and forth as two teams that were evenly matched took the field yesterday. Unfortunately for our Patriots, we lost to the Marauders 19 to 14.

The game started with a bang as Markise Bryant took the opening kickoff 87 yards for a TD. Defense was on the field for the majority of the first half and they worked hard to keep us in the game.

Adjustments were made at the half and the Blackshirt Defense was dominant the second half. Offensively, we switched to our passing game as we went to a no huddle mode moving the ball down the field for another TD with under 5 minutes left in the game.

Strategy dictates to kick the ball off deep and play defense using all your timeouts. Our defense stepped up and stopped the Marauders forcing them to punt. Unfortunately, we fumbled the punt away.

You can't win at any level if you turn the ball over 6 times. Four fumbles, including one that would come back to haunt us at the Marauder 2 yard line. Two interceptions, one coming with 44 seconds in the game, sealed the fate of the mighty Patriots.

After the game, I saw a lot of sad faces. Players were upset and they should be. They knew we were better than we showed out on the field and it left a bitter taste in their mouth.

I am proud of our players. To see them be emotionally upset after that game means that they care. They weren't indifferent about losing. It hurt and they care. They never quit and they did the only thing that I required of them: COMPETE!!

I want to thank the fans for all your support. You were all loud and supportive during the game and the players appreciated it.

Next week, we will re-group and prepare for the Falcons of Scripps Ranch HS.