T-birds win 1st game of season against Gauchos
Kevin Holloway
MCC Thunderbirds traveled to Glendale last Saturday Oct. 17 to take on the Gauchos of Glendale Community College, and got a much deserved first win of the season. This game had all of the ingredients needed for a mid-October showdown.
That change gave Mesa fans enough hope and good vibes had to rub off on the team.
The game got more intense with the score 14-12 with MCC in the lead the game was one big play away from being anyone’s win.
After countless turnovers on downs by both teams, the fourth quarter was finally winding down with the Thunderbirds clutching to their two point lead.
Aaron Hardwick kept the clock moving with a few 15 plus yard runs into the open field.
With just over six minutes left in the game, MCC punted the ball back to the Gauchos, who looked like they were going to capitalize off of great field position set up by a 15 yard facemask penalty by No. 21 of MCC.
Although there were a couple minutes left on the clock, Coach Hargrave played it safe, with Jarison Johnson and Aaron Hardwick milking the clock until there was only 1:20 seconds left.
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The MCC Thunderbirds took the field against Eastern Arizona in perfect football weather on Oct. 10.
This battle took place at John D. Riggs Stadium, and it was a night to remember.
It started as a good game. Both teams looked evenly matched up, No. 7 Tanner Reher of the Thunderbirds took a catch 50 yards to the house for a Mesa touchdown.
Then along came Eastern Arizona, with a few stands of good defense, rewarded by offensive points.
Turnovers, as usual, controlled much of this game with the team that made few mistakes likely to come out on top.
At the half, the game was 10- 7 and Eastern Arizona had the lead by three.
The third quarter began and Coach Hargrave gave a good speech, team came out with passion and a will to play.
Eastern Arizona started the second half with possession of the ball, but quickly had two false starts which led to a three and out.
Once MCC got the ball back, it seemed to be a repeat of earlier in the game. Mesa’s No. 5 Taylor Perkins fumbled and it was recovered, then returned for a touchdown by the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona.
After a false start setting up a first and 15 from their own territory, the Thunderbirds were in a must pass situation and the pass was intercepted by Gila Monsters.
With one last chance effort No. 21 of MCC intercepted a pass from Eastern Arizona, but after another quick three and out the game was wrapped up.
