As the sun started to set on another day of Friday night lights, it was clear this game was different. It was Senior Night, the game where all the seniors are honored for their hard work and sacrifice with the team for the past four years.

“It was something I’ve always dreamed of,” senior Omar Cruz said about playing on Senior Night.

Coming into this game, Metea was 2-1 after losing last week to Naperville North. Winning this game was going to be a challenge as they played another highly ranked team in Carl Sandburg. Yet, within the trust of each other, they knew there was a chance.

The game, however, did not start in favor of the Mustangs, as Sandburg got out to a quick 14-0 start after Metea’s self-inflicted wounds. Luckily, thanks to the defense, Metea was able to set up a big stop, regaining possession of the ball for the offense. On a big 3rd down, senior Trent Sterling gets the ball and looks to throw on a trick play. He throws it deep down the field, and junior Marcus Sewart catches it for a huge, crucial conversion. The Mustangs were able to capitalize on this with a 13-yard rushing touchdown by junior Marquis Brown to cap off a 7-minute, 11-play, 95-yard scoring drive.

The Mustang defense was able to hold the Sandburg offense, thanks to a big play by senior Cordae Kennedy, who deflected the ball from the receiver’s hands in the end zone. Sandburg was forced to kick a field goal. The scoreboard now reads 17-7 at halftime, still a very close game.

As the teams began recuperating and getting ready for the second half, they felt something fall from the sky. It started to rain, something that can play a huge factor in a game. It was self-evident as the match turned mightily into a defensive battle.

At the start of the 4th quarter, the score was still 17-7 with Metea trailing but marching down the field on a long drive. Unfortunately, the Mustangs were unable to capitalize on this drive following a missed field goal. The defense had to get another stop.  Slowly, Sandburg started to march downfield, but the farther they got, the tougher the Mustangs got. After a great pass deflection by sophomore Jordan Arrington, Sandburg was forced to punt.

However, Metea’s self-inflicted wounds continued as the Mustangs would cough up the football, giving Sandburg the ball back. Sandburg was able to score a late touchdown with only a couple of minutes left to put the nail in the coffin. The final score read 24-7.

“We gotta do better, we gotta lock in more,” said Junior quarterback Charlie Larson on the team’s overall performance.

Still, despite the loss, the Mustangs proved that they can play and compete with some of the best teams in the state. “Me and the whole team have made an insane amount of progress, even from January to now, it has been lights out,” Larson said on the progress of the Mustangs.

The seniors of the football team are also determined to leave a legacy in the program. “I hope this class is remembered by the class that was able to rebuild the program with coach Sheehan,” Cruz said.

The Mustangs, who now sit at 2-2, look to bounce back with another conference game against Neuqua Valley on September 26th. With a Mustang victory, it will be the first time in school history that Metea Valley has beaten Neuqua Valley.