NOVATO, Calif. - San Marin's football team honored a fallen teammate with a big win on Saturday, 48-22 over Terra Linda, in the first game of the MCAL league season for both teams.
A beloved Mustangs' player, Mario Lupercio, sadly died last Sunday in a tragic car accident. He was in a car along with two other San Marin students, both of whom are still in recovery. Saturday’s game was dedicated to him and the Mustangs went all out for their teammate who left everyone way too soon. Mario will always be remembered and forever stay in the hearts of the San Marin community.
This impactful Mustang win was led by the San Marin (3-1, 1-0 MCAL) offense. One of those offensive powers was running back Dante DiMare. He had three rushing touchdowns and broke the Terra Linda defense with shifty maneuvers. Another one of the bright spots in the Mustang offense was the connection between quarterback Matthew Sargent and receiver Will Hickey. Together they accounted for two touchdowns through the air, one that went for 50 yards and the other for 19 yards. Another dynamic duo was Sargent and Nico Lofrano. They had one stunning 33-yard touchdown in the fourth to seal the victory.
Not only did the San Marin offense contribute to this win, the Mustang defense helped tremendously, led by cornerback Jovais Kennedy and Lofrano. Each of them had an interception which stopped the Trojans' offensive flow.
“We’re very proud at how are team kept fighting throughout the week despite the tragic loss,” said Mustang co-head coach Cory Boyd.
Even though Terra Linda (1-3, 0-1) lost, the Trojans still had some outstanding plays to try and comeback. In the beginning, they started off on a good foot with an interception by middle linebacker Sean Vasser, but after that they couldn’t keep up with the tone San Marin set.
Terra Linda’s attempted comeback was led by Trojan quarterback Julian Deraffele. He had three passing touchdowns, two of which were to standout wide receiver Guy Lyons, for 76 and 29 yards. .
“We need to work on the little things and open ourselves up to criticism,” said Terra Linda head coach Dallas Hartwell.
San Marin will be playing Sir Francis Drake next Saturday at Drake, while Terra Linda will have their first league game at home against Redwood.
