Despite having a big lead in the first half, the Trojans lost 36-31 to the Capuchino Mustangs at MHS’ annual homecoming game on Friday. The loss brings the Trojans record to 4-2 while the Mustangs are now 6-0.
The Trojans opened the score with a 71-yard pick-six by junior Jacob Souza. After a successful field goal by MHSl junior Adrian Chavez ran the ball for 20 yards into the endzone for the Trojans’ second touchdown of the night. Halfway through the second quarter, the Mustangs scored their first touchdown, but the Trojans responded with a 45-yard touchdown run by senior Jacob Alvarado. The Trojans led the Mustangs 24-14 at halftime but then allowed three unanswered touchdowns by the Mustangs to bring the score to 33-24 in favor of Capuchino missed two extra-point attempts.
The Trojan offense fumbled inside their own 35-yard line, giving the Mustangs good field position halfway through the fourth quarter. Despite the turnover, Milpitas’ defense managed to hold Capuchino to a field goal that extended the Mustangs’ lead to 12 points.
The Trojans responded with another 25-yard touchdown reception by senior Ezekiel Medina, putting them down by five with two minutes left. After getting a first down, the Capuchino quarterback took a knee to end the game.
“It was a hard-fought game,” King said. “We came on the wrong side of it, and we are going to have to own up to that and try to get better.”
There was more pressure on this game because it was the homecoming game and alumni were present, senior Jacob Razo said.
“We learned that we shouldn’t let the scoreboard get to us, and (we should) stay focused throughout the whole game,” linebacker and senior Fabrizio Rangel said.
This team is unlike past MHS teams, Rangel said. This team has more heart than any other and is much more disciplined, he added. Many players worked really hard during the offseason, he said.
“One loss does not represent the team,” Razo said. “The team is ready to go on a win streak and enter the playoffs,” he said.