To say that it was a difficult day for the Mancos High School Bluejays on the gridiron would be an understatement.
Playing on the road against the Sanford Indians on Friday, Sept. 13, the Bluejays were dominated in all aspects, falling by a score of 47-0.
With the loss, the Bluejays dropped to 0-3 on the season while the Indians improved to 2-1.
Chief among those who struggled for the Bluejays was sophomore quarterback Andrew Morgan, who managed to complete only 4 of his 18 pass attempts for 47 yards.
Throughout the game, Morgan was also plagued by turnovers, throwing two interceptions and fumbling three times.
"(Morgan) has to settle down," said Bluejays' head coach Adam Priestley. "As a quarterback, he can't be all hyped up and stuff. He has to take care of the ball."
Speaking of the team-wide turnover endemic that has affected the Bluejays, Priestley said: "We've averaging five turnovers a game. Teams don't win when they turn the ball over five times."
As frustrating as the Bluejays' early season struggles have been, Priestley was quick to note many younger players are making solid contributions.
Among the players mentioned by Priestley was freshman center Liam Cooper.
"I'm really proud of (Cooper)," said Priestley. "Offensively, he blocked well. For us, that's huge. (Cooper) is only a freshman, but he just kept working hard."
For the Bluejays, improving each week is the most important thing.
"We're young, and we have to keep working," Priestley said. "We're improving. The scores don't necessarily show it, but we are."
Next up for the Bluejays will be a homecoming-game matchup against the Nucla Mustangs on Friday, Sept. 20.
"Homecoming always brings tradition," Priestley said. "People seem to get up for it a lot more. The boys have been focused in practice. We're excited about this weekend."