Mesa falls in Homecoming
Ben
Urcuyo
Mesa Legend
 |
Dennis Mikulich Mesa Legend |
Mesa’s
Justin Douglas (77) with others sack Snow College’s
quarterback in the Homecoming game Nov. 1. MCC fell 19-15. |
Snow College spoiled homecoming for the 3-4 Thunderbirds
in a 19-15 game Nov. 1. Mesa came off a 28-0 defeat over Pima
the week before. With a 6-1 overall record, Snow College had reason
to believe that they could defeat MCC, but Snow’s Coach
Jeff Kilts was not taking Mesa lightly.
“They have a solid core of talent on both sides of the ball,”
he said. “After watching them on film I noticed they run
a tight zone defense and don’t change up week to week like
most teams. Their running backs and wide receivers can make big
plays, and that poses a threat anytime. We’re going to have
to execute and not allow them to get the big plays,” he
added.
“They score a lot of points led by their quarterback Jason
Coutts, and don’t allow many,” head coach Dan Dunn
said. “Even though they lost to Dixie, I’m not sure
they’re not the best team in the league. They are a real
solid team on every side of the ball. It’s important we
minimize mistakes and get some things to go our way early.”
The fifth play of their opening drive was sparked by an option
to the right where Mesa’s quarterback Greg Mortensen kept
the ball and sped his way for 34 yards to Snow’s 24-yard
line.
It was complimented with Jeremiah White’s catch out of the
back field to set up the Thunderbird’s offense with a first
and goal at Snow’s 4-yard line.
The offense had given Dunn and the Thunderbirds the momentum they
needed, but on the very next play, Badger’s Dustin Schroader
recovered a fumble by White near the goal line.
Despite the turnover, Mesa showcased dominating defense the first
half, limiting Snow’s high-powered passing offense to only
six points.
Mesa’s offense would score on a touchdown run by Mortensen.
However, the extra point and a later 41-yard field goal attempt
were both missed by Klein, making it a 6-6 tie at halftime.
Mesa came out for the second half revved up as they took a 15-6
lead by scoring a touchdown on White’s run. Soon after,
Mesa got a safety after Erik Contos’ punt pinned Snow at
their own half-yard line.
Snow’s kick after the safety was returned 55 yards by Chase
Kisler. It only took three plays to end the drive. This set up
a field goal attempt by Klein that missed wide left.
With the missed scoring opportunities by Mesa, Snow never looked
back. Striking on the next play over MCC’s zone coverage
set up the first of two touchdowns. Snow took a 19-15 lead.
Mesa had another opportunity to score a field goal halfway into
the fourth quarter, but Contos missed his attempt.
“We played really good ball tonight and the kids really
went after it.” Dunn said after the game. “The defense
put us in positions to win the game. We just didn’t get
it done. It’s a real tough loss, but I’m really proud
of them.”
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