MidValleySports.Com

By Rich Whittington

(La Canada) The St. Francis Golden Knights had an uphill battle Friday evening, losing to the visiting Mira Costa Mustangs, 45-19, in front of a more than supportive crowd at Jim Bonds Stadium.

The Golden Knights were without the services of starting quarterback Shawn Sanders, who sustained an injury in the Golden Knights’ season opener.

Mira Costa opened the scoring on their first possession of the game, when quarterback Liam Meeker connected with running back Kingston Davis for a 40-yard touchdown. The extra point was added kicker Nico Talbott, making the score 7-0 with 9:50 remaining in the opening quarter.

This was quickly answered by the Golden Knights, as wide receiver Mason Maddox returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a score of his own. The PAT attempt was blocked, making the score 7-6, with 9:34 remaining in the opening frame.

Mira Costa increased its lead with another Meeker to Davis connection, this time for 50 yards. A second Talbott PAT was added, making the score 14-6 after one quarter of play.

The Mustangs opened the game up in the second quarter, adding a pair of rushing scores. The first came on a 6-yard blast by running back J. McBean. The second was added by Kingston Davis, who scored on a 92-yard sprint. Two more Talbott PAT’s were added, making the score 28-6. Mira Costa’s final score of the period was also provided by Talbott, who successfully converted a 49-yard field goal attempt. This made the score 31-6 at halftime.

Ironically, McBean and Davis were responsible for the two Mustang scores that occurred in the third quarter. McBean found the end zone for his second score of the evening on a 4-yard rush. Davis added his on the defensive side of the ball, returning an interception 25 yards for the score. Two more successful Talbott kicks made the score 45-6 after three quarters of play.

St Francis scored twice in the games final quarter. The first coming on a 6-yard run by RB Elijah Wilson. The extra point was successfully added by Sean Phillips, making the score 45-13, with 9:26 remaining in the contest. The second score was provided by Max Kim, who ran the ball in from 1 yard out. This made the score 45-19 as the game came to an
end.

Next up for the Golden Knights is a road trip to Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), where they will play the Knights. Mira Costa’s next game is also away from home, as they travel to Redondo Union to meet the Sea Hawks. Both contests are scheduled for Friday night September 5.