Charlie Davidson

In spite of multiple injuries and fouls, the Mustangs persevered and took the loss with grace.

The Mustangs’ varsity football team went on the road for the first time in the young season, losing 15-12 in an emotional rollercoaster versus the Wildcats of Plainfield Central this past Friday.

The intensity of the game could be felt throughout, with dozens of personal foul penalties and injury timeouts interrupting the action.

Led by a powerful rushing attack, the Mustang offense quickly asserted their will, with senior quarterback Lucas Van Vlerah’s shifty off-tackle runs and sophomore halfback Charles Flowers’ breakaway speed helping to lead the Mustangs to 143 first-half rushing yards and their first touchdown of the season.

Despite out-gaining the Wildcats by 59 total yards in that first half, the Mustangs still faced an 8-6 halftime deficit. Set up by the ground-and-pound style of the first half, Metea used the play action to quickly drive down the field. A pass interference penalty and a 28-yard pass to senior Oscar Rivera Jr. did the heavy lifting on the drive, topped with a physical touchdown run from senior Da’Marion Lewis to regain the lead 12-8.

Following a key defensive stop, interrupted by a lengthy injury timeout, the offense once again marched down the field. Seemingly falling forward for 3 or 4 yards a carry, the ground game surged, complemented by a perfect 34-yard trick pass from senior Nicolas Carrier to Rivera Jr. to end the 3rd quarter. Yet, a costly fumble at the Wildcats’ 18-yard line ended the scoring threat, and momentum swung back as Plainfield Central completed a lengthy pass of their own down the left sideline, quickly scoring after picking up a 4th and 5 from inside the red zone.

Just as quickly as momentum can be lost, it can be grabbed right back. When senior Daniel Pere exploded through the middle, slipped a tackle, and took the ensuing kickoff all the way into the endzone, the Metea audience exploded with excitement. But the belief of Metea stealing the lead was interrupted by the yellow flag signifying a holding penalty behind the play.

While the defense gave the offense more opportunities, the Mustangs could not take advantage, failing to advance the ball out of their half for only the second and third times all evening. Though the Mustangs lost, their grit in the face of tough break after tough break cannot be ignored, and is something giving the team hope for the future.

Looking forward, the boys will try to put the tough loss behind them and pick up a Senior Night victory at home this Friday as they take on Andrew (1 – 1).