What appeared to be a close match on paper proved to be a mismatch on the gridiron, as the Perry varsity football team was beat soundly Friday night at North Polk by a final score of 39-6.
The Comets took the opening possession of their Homecoming game, and turned it into a methodical drive down the field. They capped it with a 21-yard touchdown run by Logan Engebretson, who scored four touchdowns in the game. The Bluejays then turned the ball over on their first possession with an interception, which North Polk turned into another touchdown. The Comets scored on their third straight drive of the first quarter after that, however they missed all three extra points and were only up 18-0 after one. Perry turned the ball over three times in the second quarter, on a fumble, interception, and downs, and North Polk capitalized on each, scoring three more touchdowns in the half. Going into the locker room, the Comets led the Bluejays 39-0.
With a running clock in the third quarter, nothing happened except punts from each team. The first 10 minutes of the fourth also passed without much to speak of, but Perry took over for the final drive of the game with 2 minutes still on the clock, and that’s when they finally had some fireworks. With time about to expire and sophomore Jeremiah Baker in at quarterback, the Bluejays heaved a last pass downfield to senior Ever Tobar. Tobar fought for yardage but appeared about to be taken down. However, he spied senior Byron Melendrez coming up from behind and pitched him the ball. Melendrez took it the rest of the way, and Perry scored their lone touchdown of the night thanks to the impromptu hook and ladder. With the game already over, they didn’t attempt the extra point, so the final score was 39-6.
The loss continues Perry’s losing streak that dates back to last season, and brings their record for this year to 0-4. They will once again hit the road next week as they play at Dallas County rival Dallas Center-Grimes. You can hear the live play-by-play on AM 1310, FM 99.7 KDLS, with pregame starting at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff at 7.