Perry’s 2018 Homecoming football game proved to be an evening of “What if’s,” as they fell to the visiting North Polk Comets 8-6 Friday night.

There was no scoring in the first half, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying. North Polk had turnovers on downs twice, while Perry had drives end on an interception, a blocked field goal, and a turnover on downs in enemy territory. Perry would get close to scoring in the third quarter, taking a drive down to the Comets’ 10 yard line. However, a low snap led to another botched field goal attempt and no points. North Polk then took a drive to Perry’s 3-yard line at the end of the third quarter. On the first play of the fourth, the Comets scored the first points of the game on a touchdown run by Logan Engebretson. They then went for the two-point conversion and succeeded, taking an 8-0 lead.

On Perry’s next drive, they would once again reach the red zone, but again came away with nothing after a turnover on downs at the 18-yard line. However, a few plays later, Ever Tobar intercepted a pass, giving Perry another drive starting on the Comets’ side of the field. The Blue Jays took the short field and finally managed to score on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb Olejniczak to Kato Dougan. Perry was unsuccessful on their two-point conversion, leaving them down 8-6. The Blue Jays then successfully executed an onside kick, starting one last drive on the North Polk 36 yard line with 3:26 remaining in the game. However, the Blue Jays failed to pick up another first down and gave the ball back on downs. The Comets were able to run out the rest of the clock, ending the game and handing Perry an 8-6 loss.

The loss drops Perry to 0-4 on the season, though three of those losses have been by a total of 11 points. Next week they host the Dallas Center-Grimes Mustangs, and you can hear all the action on AM 1310, FM 99.7 KDLS, with pregame starting at 7 p.m.