Mitch Chortkoff, Mirror Sports Writer
Brentwood was playing a superb football game most of the way Saturday, Oct. 28.
But in the final 6 1/2 minutes the Eagles’ 28-7 lead disappeared and Brentwood lost its Homecoming game to Maranatha, 31-28 in overtime.
It was a crushing league loss for Brentwood, which has to play powerful Whittier Christian on Friday, Nov. 3.
“We’re right there with the best teams in our division but our chances of making the play-offs are in jeopardy,” said Coach Patrick Brown.
“We played a near-perfect game until it turned around. I’ve been on the other end of this but never on this end. It’s kinda shocking.”
Brown recalls that many years ago Brentwood trailed Masada, 32-6 but won the game, 34-32.
“It started to rain and we couldn’t do anything wrong in the rain and they couldn’t do anything right.
“This time it was the opposite. It was the longest six minutes I can remember.”
With another important game coming up Brown has told his players they can’t dwell on it.
Brown praised Ben Oliva who caught a touchdown pass, quarterback Mason Moss for playing well and defensive star Ian Shaw, who comes in as a short yardage running back and scored a touchdown.
A blocked punt, which resulted in a touchdown, began Maranatha’s comeback and a couple of penalties helped in the turnaround.
In overtime Brentwood missed a field goal and Maranatha made one from 35 yards out.
“They celebrated and they deserved it,” said Brown.