Sometimes a coach will find fault with players after a defeat, but it’s rare when a coach questions himself and his assistants.
However, following St. Monica’s 42-21 loss to Laguna Beach Saturday night at Corsair Field Mariner head coach Larry Muno did that.
“We were hurt by poor tackling and failing to convert scoring opportunities inside the red zone,” said Muno.
“Those are coaching issues. We have to practice tackling and devise plays that work when we’re close to the goal line.”
St. Monica drove inside the Laguna Beach 10-yard line three times without scoring.
“We’ll practice harder to take on blocks,” he said.
Muno praised several players; particularly quarterback Matthew Partyka for a courageous effort and receivers Danny White and Jamal Young. He also pointed out that Sean Rowe had an interception.
The game was more competitive than last season, when St. Monica traveled to Laguna Beach and lost, 38-0.
“They played exactly the same way,” said Muno. “They’re good and they’re a CIF Division 5 team and we’re Division 13.”
This Friday St. Monica will play at Lucerne Valley.
