Comets grind out 32-7 win over Hamilton for third victory of the season

Jacob Brase | Staff Writer

Nineteen first downs, 345 offensive yards, seven penalties, a fumble and two defensive interceptions is the stat-line for a roller coaster of a win, as the Mason Comets took down the Hamilton Big Blue 32-7 in week two of Greater Miami Conference (GMC) football.

Coming off a tough week one loss, the Comets displayed their many strengths and weaknesses versus Hamilton. Both teams started off slow offensively, as Mason intercepted the ball with 21 seconds left in the first quarter only to fumble it back to Hamilton with 20 seconds remaining.

For the most part, the Comets struggled offensively in the first half, going 1-4 on third down conversions, and producing only 64 yards offensively. Despite these difficulties, the Comets managed to lead 15-0 after the first half.

Head coach Brian Castner said he felt his team struggled in the first half.

“Defensively, we played great, but offensively, we weren’t efficient,” Castner said. “They (Hamilton) were establishing the line of scrimmage and we weren’t.”

Despite their difficulties, the Comets made big plays on offense to put them ahead throughout the game. With 7:10 remaining in the second quarter, Sophomore wide receiver Alec Dardis scored a 36-yard touchdown.

Dardis said the play was a rewarding moment for him, especially considering it was the first of his football career.

“It was a great feeling; Will Adams made a good throw and it felt good to finally score.” Dardis said.

He said his play and many others are what helped the offense get the win against Hamilton.

“We came out flat in the first half” Dardis said. “In the second half, we put up some points and I think we did our job.”

The defense also came through with many big plays for the Comets. They produced one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and nine tackles for loss — three of them being sacks. Senior Zaid Hamdan led the team with two sacks adding to a total loss of 16 yards.

Hamdan said the defense played an important part in Mason’s victory.

“I couldn’t be happier to see the defense step up and play a role” Hamdan said. “We had a good game, but in the GMC you always have to improve and get better.”

The Comets will face the Lakota West Firebirds next Friday in their third GMC game this year. Coach Castner said his team will continue their process to prepare for the upcoming match-up.

“We’re gonna get up here at six in the morning, watch film, work hard and think about our game plan,” Castner said. “It’s the same process, we have to continue to get better.”

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Photos by Staff Photographer Tanner Pearson.

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