If not for several turnovers, the Mancos High School football team may have beaten Del Norte.
Fumbles and interceptions cost the Bluejays on Sept. 12 as the Bluejays were defeated 24-14 in a matchup that was closer than the score indicated.
According to Bluejays head coach Josh Gardner, the Mancos offense was able to move the ball, but had difficulty scoring.
"We were able to run the power on them," said Gardner. "We just kept shooting ourselves in the foot by dropping the ball."
Even with the turnovers, the Bluejays managed to keep things close thanks to a first-half rushing touchdown by Axel Bonde and solid blocking by the offensive line.
"Our offensive linemen, Liam Cooper, Brady Sanders and Austin Howerton were tearing it up in the middle," said Gardner. "That helped (running back) Everett Strazza-Whalen have a really good game running the ball."
With their record now at 1-3 on the season, the Bluejays will return to the practice field to prepare for a road matchup against Sanford High School. The game will take begin at 7 p.m.
"We know from last year that (Sanford) is a tough team," said Gardner. "We're going to have to be ready and play well.
