The Meridian Mustang football team was back at home this week, hosting Skyline on Friday night and looking to build some momentum after blowing out Manassas Park 41-0 last week. At 2-5 on the season, Meridian was still searching for its first home win, and yet despite what has been a struggle of a campaign, the Falls Church faithful came out to support their Mustangs loud and proud.
It was apparent from the get-go that this would be a tough test, as the visitors marched straight down the field on their opening drive. However, a big goal-line stand kept Skyline out of the end zone after they failed on a fourth down play inside the two yard line, bringing the Mustang fans to their feet. Meridian’s opening offensive drive then stalled out around midfield, and after Skyline drove down into scoring range once again, what ended up being a very quick first half ended with some more clutch defense by the home team. Grady Jinks chased down a Skyline runner and tackled him inside the five yard line on a long gain, saving what would have been a surefire touchdown, and then after the next two plays resulted in carries for losses, Deiosity Bantan jumped in front of a pass for a Meridian interception. The two teams went into the intermission still yet to score.
Despite Meridian getting the ball to begin the second half, things didn’t get off to such a great start after the break. A fumble on the first play from scrimmage gave possession back to Skyline, who immediately scored to go up 7-0. However, the Mustangs fought back with a solid drive that was helped in part by a few penalties by the opposition. Meridian drove into the red zone but found itself facing a third and long, and that’s when quarterback Cruz Ruoff threw a dime to Ben Kozbelt in the back of the end zone. Following another Skyline penalty on the extra point attempt, the Mustangs decided to go for two and successfully converted to take the lead.
But then they got too confident, attempting a surprise onside kick which failed and gave Skyline a short field, which the visitors turned into their second touchdown of the game. A few scoreless possessions ensued before Skyline was granted another short field via an interception, and once again they executed with six points, though a failed two-point conversion kept the score at 20-8 early in the fourth quarter. With their backs against the wall, the Mustangs went to work again, resulting in Ruoff finding Kozbelt for his second touchdown of the game and bringing the home team back within a possession. However, they were unable to get a stop, as Skyline went the distance on a fourth and one from deep inside their own territory to seal the game with a final score of 27-15.
The loss drops Meridian to 2-6, with only two games left in their regular season. They’ll be back on the road at Warren County next week before returning home to wrap up against Fauquier.
