Mistakes cost Blaine in 28–18 loss at home

Blaine varsity football head coach Jay Dodd called his Borderites the better team after a 28–18 loss to Burlington-Edison at home on September 27, and the statistics back him up.

Blaine outpaced Burlington-Edison in total offensive yards 377 to 309, but penalties, missed extra point conversions and a turnover at the wrong moment cost the game for the Borderites.

“I think penalties hurt us, but we had a significant size advantage – we should have been able to run the ball a lot more than we did,” Dodd said. “For a lot of different reasons we just weren’t able to take control.”

After trailing throughout the first half, the Borderites had a chance at the lead in the third quarter. Running back Oscar Caridad exploded past the Tigers’ defense for a 33-yard run, putting Blaine on the 20-yard line with a 14–12 score.

A 15-yard penalty on Blaine’s sidelines helped the Tigers force a turnover, and they scored on their next possession to make the score 21–12. Blaine never got within reach of the lead after that. 

“We needed a score there. We could have taken the lead and finally taken a deep breath,” Dodd said. “We’re always playing so tight and just nervous. Any kind of lead would have helped with that.”

Caridad had a standout night, rushing for 231 yards, including runs of 53, 45 and 33 yards, and scoring on a two-yard run. He also passed a career milestone of more than 1,000 yards rushing, according to Whatcompreps.com.

“My O-line was there making the blocks, making holes as wide as trucks. All I did was go and run through them,” Caridad said. “Gavino Rodriguez, Mason Vega, Wyatt Cole, the whole line, they’re just outstanding.”

At tight end, Vega caught three passes, including a 15-yard touchdown. Scott Baldwin also made three receptions, including a 15-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Zane Rector caught two for 39 yards and Jaxon Kortlever snagged a 33-yard reception.

Blaine quarterback Will McKinney passed for 79 yards and left the game early in the fourth quarter with a wrist injury. Cole Thomas replaced him and completed four passes for 66 yards, including the 15-yard touchdown pass to Baldwin.

Next, Blaine (1–3) travels to Archbishop Murphy (3–1) for a 7 p.m. game this Friday, October 5.