On Thursday, Sept. 5, varsity football faced off against the Lake Belton Broncos in their first away game of the season. After another thriller in overtime, the Mavericks lost due to an interception returned for a touchdown, 28-41.

“In the first half we didn’t play as good as our defense would’ve,” senior linebacker Javeon Vick said. “They scored a lot, but we turned around in the third quarter [and] started fixing it.”

The Mavs were down a point at halftime, causing coaches to stress the importance of rallying to the ball in the second half. After Vick forced a blocked punt and safety in the third quarter, the defense felt more composed going into the final quarter of regular time. 

“When you get those players that have the biggest heart for the game, it kinda changes the energy a lot more,” senior wide receiver Jermichael Gray said. “Whether that’s somebody that doesn’t get the ball as much but is very vocal and demanding, the [atmosphere] definitely gets up.”

In the 4th quarter, the Broncos came back and scored 14 points sending the game into overtime. With the Broncos getting the ball first, they were able to score a touchdown and were up on the Mavs by 7. On the Mavs final offensive drive, an interception was thrown and returned for a touchdown, ending the game for the Mavs.

“[It was] depressing,” Gray said. “It’s definitely something you don’t want to feel especially in your senior year. You want to go out on a win each and every game you get. With being a senior. You never know when the last play is gonna be your last.”

Coming off of two big losses, the Mavs will play their next game against the division rival Westwood Warriors to open district play.

“A lot of mistakes happened early on,” Gray said. “But that’s why we’re working right now this week especially to piece up those things, so that we’ll be ready to dominate and win in district [play.]”