The Spartans delivered a strong performance against Palo Alto during the Homecoming game Friday, but ultimately lost 48-35.

The game started off slow for the Spartans, while the Vikings quickly gained a  7-0 lead. The Spartans were unable to reach the end zone in the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, junior quarterback Kevin Conway completed a pass 18 yards to junior Lex Silver, tying the game up at 7-7. Unluckily for the Spartans, the Vikings would march the ball down the field and regain their 14-7 lead.

Junior running-back Dillon Daniels made a long run in the second quarter, however, that drive resulted in an interception deep in Palo Alto territory.  

“We had to settle everybody down to play their game of football and we did for a little bit,” Head Coach Tim Lugo said. “We just made too many mistakes.”

The game’s halftime show included a performance from Dance Spectrum and the homecoming royalty crowning. 

In the second half, the Spartans quickly recovered a fumble. On the following possession, the ball was punched in for a touchdown by Dillon Daniels to tie the game at 14 each.

The Mountain View defense kept up their hot streak, and stopped a fourth down conversion in their own territory. The offense scored another touchdown to take their first lead of the night, shifting the score to 21-14.

The Spartans and Vikings continued to trade touchdowns. At the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 28-28.

After a Spartan touchdown in the fourth quarter, Palo Alto caught an interception, and returned the ball to the endzone for a touchdown. The Spartans then fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff return, which would allow the Vikings to score the last points of the game.

“We had our moments,” Lugo said. “But ultimately, we made more mistakes than they did. That’s why they won the game.”