December 14th 2024.
It was a bittersweet ending for Pittsburg's football team on Friday night in Mission Viejo. The Pirates, who had an amazing season, couldn't quite finish the job as they fell to Lincoln-San Diego in the CIF Division I-AA state championship game at Saddleback College.
Despite giving it their all, the Pirates were unable to tie the game in the final moments. Running back Jamar Searcy, who had an outstanding performance in his Pittsburg uniform, scored four touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Lincoln came out strong, scoring the first points of the game with a six-yard swing pass to the end zone. Pittsburg's offense struggled in the first quarter, only gaining 62 yards.
But in the second quarter, things started to turn around for the Pirates. Searcy's 47-yard rush down the sideline tied the game at 7 on their third possession. However, Lincoln regained the lead with a spectacular catch by wide receiver Ty Olson in the corner of the end zone.
Pittsburg didn't let that bring them down though, as they ended the half with a strong drive and a touchdown by Searcy, tying the game once again. By halftime, Searcy had accounted for most of Pittsburg's total yards.
In the third quarter, Lincoln continued to dominate with another touchdown pass from Akili Smith Jr. to senior receiver Isaiah Grant. But Searcy refused to let his team give up, making an incredible one-handed catch at the goal line and scoring his third touchdown of the game.
As the game entered the fourth quarter, Lincoln took a page out of De La Salle's playbook and slowed down the pace of the game, eating up valuable time on the clock. Pittsburg's quarterback Marley Alcantara led his team down the field in a last-ditch effort, and Searcy scored his fourth touchdown on a 4-yard rush.
With the game on the line, Pittsburg went for a two-point conversion, but Searcy couldn't quite make it in. Despite their efforts to recover an onside kick, Lincoln maintained their lead and ultimately won the game.
It was a tough loss for Pittsburg, but they can hold their heads high knowing they gave it their all. And while their magical season may have come to an end, they have proven themselves to be a formidable team and have much to be proud of.
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