In a season defined by blowout losses, the Mancos Bluejays football team once again ended up on the wrong end of a lopsided final score.
Playing on the road against the Sanford High School Indians on Saturday, Oct. 26, the Bluejays fell behind 34-6 by halftime and eventually lost, 40-6.
Bluejays head coach Adam Priestley said mistakes and missed opportunities plagued Mancos, which lost for the fourth consecutive time.
"The score was worse than how we played," said Priestley. "Our score should've been 28-34. We were inside their 10- or 15-yard line numerous times. We didn't' finish."
As frustrating as the loss was, Priestley was quick to point out that numerous underclassmen performed admirably.
"I was proud to see some of our underclassmen step up and play well," Priestley said. "Austin Howardton really stepped up. It seemed to mean something to him this game. Adrian Hernandez and Everett Strazza-Whalen also stepped up."
With their season now complete, the Bluejays will continue working through the offseason in hopes of improving on this season's 2-7 record.
"Next year, we have six eighth graders coming up who have played a lot of football. With some dedication and had work during the offseason, I see our team getting better. We've just got to have dedication and a no-quit attitude."
Just how much better the Bluejays will be next year remains unclear, but with several key underclassmen returning, the future of the Mancos football program could be bright.