Mesa lose on last play of game against Arizona Western, 27-21

Yuma, AZ- With a chance to win it at the end of regulation with a 38 yard field, Arizona Western busted through the T-Bird field goal offensive line, blocked the Austin Carver field goal attempt and scooped it up, racing 65 yards for the Matador touchdown and win.

Arizona Western scored the last 14 points within the last five minutes of the fourth quarter to give Mesa their fifth loss of the season.

Kenneth Steele had Mesa's first touchdown in the first half from two yards out.  Mesa then had an incredible 95 yard punt return for a touchdown by Devin Reed in the second half that gave the T-Birds their first lead of the game, 14-13.  

Rathen Ricedorff then hit Chett Levay from the 10 yards out to extend the Mesa lead to 21-13 in the fourth quarter.

Key Mesa turnovers helped the Matadors tie the game but Mesa still had one final chance with two seconds left to win the game.  Western used two timeouts to "ice" the kicker and when Mesa finally attempted the 38 yard field goal, the Matadors slipped through, blocked the kick and returned it 65 yards for the touchdown and game winning score.

Mesa will be home for the regular season finale against the Scottsdale Artichokes next weekend, kickoff at 7 p.m.  Watch it live on T-Bird Sports Live.