Mustangs could kick themselves in loss

COSTA MESA In a game that came down to the final snap, the lack of special teams execution separated the thrill of championship victory from the agony of a heart-breaking defeat for Trabuco Hills in the CIF-SS Southwest championship game.

The Mustangs missed both of their extra-point attempts and had a botched snap on the game's final play as they dropped a 13-12 decision to El Dorado on a wet and blustery night at Orange Coast College.

"We played hard tonight, but we were not real good in the kicking game," said Mustangs coach Jason Negro.

"Both teams struggled with it, but when it counted, they made their extra point, and we didn't."

Both teams encountered kicking problems throughout the night, as the conditions caused problems holding and kicking the ball effectively.

After scoring their initial touchdowns, both teams failed to convert their point-after attempts.

The Mustangs took the lead early in the fourth, but were again unable to convert the PAT.

However, after Golden Hawks quarterback Kane Wilson's desperation 5-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left tied the score at 12, kicker Chase Lansford managed to split the uprights, giving El Dorado a one-point advantage.

The Mustangs drove down to the Golden Hawks 35-yard line with two seconds left, but a fumbled hold on the field-goal attempt thwarted their final chance and brought an end to their season.

Negro also singled out the Golden Hawks final drive, which overshadowed an otherwise sterling defensive effort from his team, as the defining sequence of the game.

"They were able to make some good plays," he said. "They did a great job of converting on some third downs, and we didn't capitalize when we needed to."

Despite the emotional defeat, Negro made it clear that his team left everything on the field.

"The kids played with a lot of heart," he said. "It didn't go our way, but I know we can look at ourselves in the mirror and be proud of the way we played."

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com