September 4, 2004
Season openers are often filled with turnovers, penalties and poor tackling. Desert Mountain had its share of all three Friday night in a 42-21 non-region loss to visiting Phoenix Trevor Browne.
"It’s high school football," said new coach John Burke, who was breaking in a slew of new players as well. "It’s decided by mistakes, turnovers and penalties. At times tonight, we were our own worst enemy."
Two costly first-quarter turnovers turned into Trevor Browne touchdowns, and the Bruins stretched their lead to 21-0 before the Wolves were able to find the end zone — striking quickly on an 80-yard run by senior running back Vince Rana.
Rana added another score later in the quarter, finishing with 26 carries for 186 yards.
An interception just before the half allowed Trevor Browne an opportunity to deliver a knockout punch, and Bruins’ fullback Marcus Damper did the honors, scampering 40 yards to put his team up 35-14 going into the break.
The Wolves’ were not able to mount a comeback, producing only 44 total yards in the second half.
"I am not at all displeased," added Burke. "We played hard the entire game, but we gave them some touchdowns with stupid penalties."
