Big second half plays the difference in Mesa's loss to Eastern on Homecoming

Mesa, AZ- Eastern Arizona quarterback Dietrich Clark was a one man wrecking crew Saturday night as he accounted for more than 300 total yards and scoring three touchdowns, in defeating and spoiling Homecoming night for Mesa, 34-20.

Mesa kept Clark and the Gila Monsters under control in the first half, only allowing two field goals.  But the T-Birds then allowed 28 points in the second half as Mesa drops to a record of 2-3 on the season.

The absence of quarterback Rathen Ricedorff brought on former starting quarterback, Brennen Dobson(So., Mesa, AZ, Red Mountain H.S.), who showed signs of improvement from his last outting against Glendale.  He lead Mesa down on their second possession of the game, connecting with Aaron Molina(Fr., Alberquerque, NM, Valley High) for a five yard touchdown.  

That was the lone score of the first half for the T-Birds, as Mesa then punted on their next possession, gave up the ball on downs the next possession, punted again and finished off their last possession with a fumble.

But Mesa just could not contain Clark, who alluded tackles and continually stayed on his feet to make big plays when Eastern needed them.

Dobson hooked up with tight end Chett Levay(So., Tampa, FL, Sickles H.S.) in the second half and Kenneth Steele(Fr., Goodyear, AZ, Tolleson H.S.) punched a touchdown in from 1 yard but when Mesa needed to get into the endzone late in the game, they just couldn't get the job done.

Eastern moves to 3-2 overall on the season, 2-2 in the WSFL while Mesa drops to 2-3 overall on the season, 2-3 in the WSFL.

Mesa will be on the road next week at New Mexico Military, kickoff at 1 p.m.