JV Rally Falls short, Turnovers Corral Mustangs against Serra: 35-13

September 10, 2011 Juniper Serra HS Field:  Poised to tie up the game early in the second half, after a prolonged drive to open the second period, the Mustangs lost the ball, one of several; turnovers that keyed Serra’s 35-13 home over coach Philapil’s squad. 
 The Mustangs came back from an early 20-0 deficit to win the second quarter and close the gap to 20-13, with big plays by Jurae Dilworth (get well quick, Jurae!), including a 42 yard punt return and 5 yd TD scamper.  On the following series, Nikita Zamora did it with his legs, with three long runs into Padre territory, and with Nikita out with a twisted ankle, Jack Ritterbush did it with the arm, pitching a nice 24 yard TD pass to Matt Peter in the corner of the end zone. Overall the defense played well, with the line by no means perplexed or overwhelmed by the Serra double wing.  Two turnovers on downs in the second half showed that the Mustangs defense had plenty of fight left.  On offense, the running game was very effective, keyed by strong run blocking from the line, quick darting runs by Alex Bertollero, and some impressive inside rumbles by Jack Brickey, who caught the Padres  unprepared for a rugby match!
The boys should be proud of their efforts on Saturday, just hold on that pigskin and check your sweat bands and socks with the refs before the game!  (odd how the officials noticed these egregious penalties at key moments in the game for Serra dives).