Mira Mesa Marauders 29, Mount Carmel Sun Devils 27

Week 3’s matchup between the Mira Mesa Marauders and the Mount Carmel Sun Devils looked like it had the potential to be a one-sided game, well at least on paper it did. Both team came into this game with very different starts to the season; The Sun Devils were winless and Marauders were undefeated, yet it took an overtime period to decide the contest.

After two tough losses, the Mount Carmel Sun Devils were once again looking at their opponent while trying to devise a strategy that would bring them victory. The difference this time, was that they had the overwhelming support of the crowd for the first time this season. That crowd featured the incredibly loud “Red Sea” which currently boasts its CIF Championship for “Battle of the Fans”. The fans provided the game with an electric atmosphere and were in support of their home team from start to finish.

Lead by Quarterback Sean Casey, the Mount Carmel Sun Devils were holding a slim 21-13 lead over Mira Mesa heading into the fourth quarter. Knowing they were still within striking range the Marauders calmly turned to starting quarterback Noah Tumblin, and began storming back into the game. Tumblin stunned the home crowd with a deep touchdown pass from beyond midfield, and after a successful two-point conversion the game was tied 21-21 and headed into overtime.

Tumblin wasn’t finished. On the opening drive of overtime, the Mira Mesa quarterback lead his team to the end zone once again while picking up his fourth touchdown of the night. After a successful two-point conversion, the Marauders were up 29-21, and a few plays away from victory.

Not to be outdone, the Sun Devils wasted no time responding. On the very first play of Mount Carmel’s drive Quarterback Sean Casey answered back by throwing a quick touchdown pass and brought his team closer to tying the game. But to tie the game the Sun Devil’s would need a two-point conversion to match Mira Mesa’s. Unfortunately for Mount Carmel their team was unable to get the ball in the end zone a second straight time, and the game ended on Mira Mesa’s defensive stop.

Although Mount Carmel walked away from the game winless and Mira Mesa emerged still unbeaten, the game was a battle from beginning to end. Both teams played extremely well and took turns retaliating with one great play after another. These two teams, which were supposed to be complete opposites, provided fans with a memorable game that fittingly came down to one final play.

The Mount Carmel Sun Devils will continue in search of their first win as they host the Vista Panthers this upcoming Friday. The Mira Mesa Marauders will return home and look to remain unbeaten as they host the Scripps Ranch Falcons. 

PREVIEW: When the Mira Mesa Marauders take on the Mount Carmel Sun Devils this Friday, fans will see two different teams with two very different starts to their season. The Marauders head into enemy territory with a perfect 2-0 record and will look to remain efficient as they go for their third straight win. At home, the Mount Carmel Sun Devils will be looking to secure their first win of the season, and they must do so against a Mira Mesa team that has been highly productive on offense early on this season.

For Mira Mesa, it is safe to assume that the Marauders will be relying heavily on quarterback Noah Tumblin, who has been incredibly productive on offense and has brought no risk to his teams efficiency. A passing touchdown in each of his first two games along with no interceptions has Tumblin boasting a high completion percentage and quarterback rating. Mira Mesa’s offensive powerhouse also added a rushing touchdown and was only ten yards shy of reaching the three hundred yard mark in last week’s game against the Escondido Cougars.

On the other side of the field the Mount Carmel Sun Devils will have to find a way to slow down the Marauders as they look to end their losing streak. Players like Jonny Bagby, Zain Batta, Grant Walby and Kekoa Willkomm will be leading the efforts on defense for Mount Carmel. These Sun Devils combined for over twenty tackles on defense and were all over the field in their matchup against the Otay Ranch Mustangs. Although in a losing effort, Mount Carmel certainly has several players capable of stepping up and anchoring on defense.

Kick-off takes place 7:00 P.M. Friday at Mount Carmel High School. For postgame coverage, don’t forget to watch the Prep Pigskin Report Friday at 10:30 P.M. where you’ll see all the latest team news and highlights. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @KUSIPPR and @RedJacketArmy for live updates and all kinds of PPR exclusives.