Lynbrook, a week after its homecoming defeat, played rival Monta Vista in the Matadors' homecoming game, with the hosts prevailing 21-14 Friday night.
The tone was set immediately by Monta Vista (4-2, 2-0 SCVAL-El Camino), which returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown.
However, as both teams traded possessions several times, Lynbrook (2-5, 0-3) was able to rally with minutes left in the first quarter on a 15-yard scoring run by quarterback Gabe Wagner-Rosales to give Lynbrook a 7-6 lead.
Rosales also scored in the second quarter to put the Vikings ahead 14-6 at the half.
Monta Vista rallied in the second half. The Matador defense forced turnover after turnover and the Monta Vista offense started humming. With about four minutes left in the third quarter, Matador quarterback Nathan Facciolla was able to break several tackles and run for a 20 yard touchdown putting the Matadors back into the game at 14-13.
Monta Vista then switched quarterbacks, going to Ryan Manley. The Matadors dealt their knockout blow with about seven minutes left in the game with a 10-yard scoring run and a successful 2-point conversion by Facciolla.
The Vikings' fourth consecutive defeat was difficult to absorb, but Lynbrook coach Jim Grassi was resolute.
“We gotta end 3-0," Grassi said. "Not that we’re saying that we’re going to, but we gotta try to be the best 5-5 team we possibly can and that’s the goal we want to go with.”
Added Grassi: “I think that from the last couple weeks the way we’ve played we have vastly improved both mentally and physically. Being my first year, this is the team that is going to build that foundation and I’m very happy and proud of the foundations that are being built. The hustle, the attitude, and the togetherness; everything’s there, but it’s just the big plays and the mistakes that are killing us. Once we get rid of those we’re going to be right where we need to be. Just like I said last week, Monta Vista’s coach does a great job. He did a great job on stalling that offense; they had a great homecoming and we’re glad to be a part of it and we just gotta get better on our end."
