The Mathews High School varsity football team fell to 0-4 on the season following Friday’s 58-14 loss to the visiting Charles City Panthers.
The first Blue Devil score took place with no time left on the clock right before halftime. Trailing 32-0, quarterback Liam Suthard connected with Darin Echeverria for the TD pass. The other Mathews score took place in the fourth quarter, off a run by Franklin Cardenas, who followed up that score with a two-point conversion. Cardenas also led the MHS defense with 10 tackles.
Halftime included the final 2024 field performance of the MHS Marching Blue Devils, as well a recognition of the seniors on the football team, band and cheerleading squad.
Football seniors honored were John Stephen Shaw, Mikey Ray, Keith Taylor and Lucas Hernandez. Taylor didn’t play due to an injury, and unfortunately both Shaw and Ray suffered second-half injuries.
In addition to the football players, senior cheerleader Kaylee Russell and MHS band members and seniors Vic DeForge, Kayne Swanson, Hayden Marshall and Riley Tripp were also recognized during the halftime ceremony, as well as their parents and family members and the impact teachers who inspired each of them.
The final game of the 2024 season had been scheduled for this Friday; however, MHS Athletic Director Amy O’Neil announced on Tuesday that due to injuries, that game has been canceled.
“The safety of our boys is most important,” she wrote on Facebook. “I would like to take this time to sincerely thank those who came out, not knowing what to expect with little to no experience. These young men battled experienced teams that had been playing for years. I kept telling these boys all the way through, what they have done this year is much bigger than them! These courageous boys decided to pave the way for other teams to come. They will forever be remembered as those who brought football back to Mathews! Thank you to our coaches, our players, our families, and to our loyal fans.”
MHS revived football this fall after two years without a team.