Stags Lose a Nail Biter at Cal Lu, 21-14
The Kingsmen came into this contest sporting the number one offense and defense in the conference. This by no means would intimidate the 2009 Stags. However, a mix of critical turnovers and a couple of unfortunate calls would the do Stags in this day. This was a hard fought battle the entire game with Cal Lu taking the final lead of 21-14 with only 1:52 remaining in the game.
The first quarter started off with both defenses dominating the game as both offenses were shutout during the stanza. But it would be Cal Lu's defense that would strike the first blow. The Stags were mounting a very impressive drive starting on their own 37. Six plays later the Stags were making the first real scoring threat of the game getting down to Cal Lu's 20 yard line. But a Kingsman defender intercepted a pass and ran it back for an 81 yard touchdown. This set the score at 7-0, where it would stay for the rest of the half. The Stag defense would shutout Cal Lu's offense at the halfway point.
Both teams knew a battle was brewing and the rest of the tilt proved to be a slugfest. The Stags opened the second half with the ball. Resorting to their rugged ground game, the offense gritted their way down the field churning out yard after yard. A beautiful come back play on the ball by Jacob Tobis (WR, JR, Mercer Island, WA) on third down kept the drive alive. The 19 yard catch on the sideline spurned the Stags on as they continued to wear down the Kingsmen defense. The seven play, 47 yard drive was capped off nicely by Scott Yingling's eight yard scamper around the right side for a touchdown.
Even though the Stags came out swinging, Cal Lu would swing back. They mounted their own 12 play drive that encapsulated 78 yards, all on the ground. This put the Kingsmen up once again 14-7 with 1:58 to go in the third quarter. However, the Stags showed the fight and determination they've had all year on the succeeding possession. They marched right down the field on Cal Lu's tiring defense, this time going 80 yards on 14 plays. The Stag running game was in high gear at this point, but it was Jacob Tobis coming up clutch again on third down with a nice 15 yard reception. Andy Segal (RB, SO, Santa Barbara, CA) made a nice run of 18 yards around the right side of the defense to get the Stags in scoring position. The drive concluded with a Mike Hirokawa (WR, SR, Aiea, HI) 18 yard touchdown catch in the back of the end zone where he out dueled the Cal Lu defender for the ball. With the score knotted at 14, the momentum seemed to be squarely on the Stags' side. A controversial call on the ensuing kickoff played a significant role in the outcome of the game. The Cal Lu return man fumbled the kickoff and it was recovered by Sae Bin Park (LB, SO, Los Angeles, CA). The referees huddled, discussed the play, and signaled Stag ball. Just as the Stag offense was on the field and ready to march the 20 yards remaining to take control of the ball game, the referees decided another conference was in order. In an unexplainable turn of events, the referees compromised to give the ball back to Cal Lu on their homecoming day. Cal Lu would score with only 1:52 to go in the game to garner the final edge of 21-14.
The Stags would outgain the Kingsmen on the day, 359 to 300 total yards. After some second half adjustments, the offense looked unstoppable and grinded out 260 yards on the ground. Anchoring the offensive line was Matt Pautler (OL, JR, Tiburon, CA) and was awarded offensive player of the game. The Stag defense played a tremendous game and was led by Landon Patoc (DB, SR, Honolulu, HI), the defensive player of the game. Special teams player of the game was given to Sae Bin Park for his relentless pursuit of ball. The Stags now regroup to take on the University of Redlands at Zinda Field, on Saturday, October 24 at 1:00 pm.
