Dos Pueblos football’s comeback effort came up just short in a 21-14 loss to Santa Ynez High on Friday in Santa Ynez at Rio Memorial Field.
The Chargers (0-1) came alive with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates (1-0) on opening night.
The two defenses took center stage to begin the game, exchanging stops to end the first quarter still knotted up at 0-0.
Santa Ynez finally broke through with a touchdown early in the second quarter, but the defenses got right back to work as the Pirates carried their 7-0 lead into halftime.
The Santa Ynez defense continued to have its way with the Chargers, pitching another shutout in the third while the offense doubled its lead to 14-0 heading into the final quarter.
Dos Pueblos finally got on the board with eight minutes left in the game, when junior quarterback Grady Felix found senior wide receiver Soren Smedley for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 14-7.
The Pirates answered right back with a touchdown of their own, but the Charger offense had found its groove and marched right back down the field.
The Felix-to-Smedley connection came through once again with another touchdown-pitch and catch to make it a 21-14 Santa Ynez lead with 4:52 on the clock.
However, that score held until the final whistle, and Santa Ynez came away with the win.
Dos Pueblos will roll out the welcome mats for Buena for its home opener next Friday, while the Pirates will remain at home and host Lompoc.
