Costly Mistakes Too Much For T'Birds To Overcome

The Mesa Thunderbirds played better in game two of the 2009 season, but the result was the same.  Too many penalties cost Mesa in a 34-21 road loss in Thatcher to the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona on Friday, September 12.

Coach Hargrave emphasized defense needing to step things up for the team to have a chance in Thatcher.  They did step up, but the offense couldn't help the defense as Mesa fell to 0-2 on the season.

Tight End Mike Nielson caught two touchdown passes from Taylor Perkins but it would not be enough as the Eastern running game was too strong on this night. 

The T'Bird defense played strong and intercepted Eastern QB Damon Wicker three times in addition to recovering to fumbles.  Mesa Safety Julian Madison had two interceptions and CB Patrick Jean had the third pick. 

The Mesa running game has been a "by-committee" of sorts thus far as Coach Hargrave deciphers the front-runner. 

Hugo Slater and Michael Clore had nice games for the receiving corps, but the all-out blitz packages released by the Gila Monster coaching staff kept the Mesa offense off balance all evening.

Clore was seriously injured and was taken off the field by stretcher and remained behind in the hospital overnight for observation.

Mesa kicker Zach Richards played for the first time this season.  The ASU-transfer is expecting to play a vital role in the Mesa attack. 

Next up for the T'Birds is a road trip to the nationally-ranked Matadors of Arizona Western on Saturday, September 19. 

More game information will be included in this story as stats come in from the Eastern Arizona coaching staff.