The Payson Roundup / Payson Longhorns come up short

Archive for Saturday, September 12, 2009

Dennis Fendler/Roundup. Enlarge photo.

Longhorn quarterback Weston Gibson listens to instructions from Coach Mayo before going into the game with a new play.

September 12, 2009, 9:05 a.m.

Updated: September 14, 2009, 9:18 a.m.

Dennis Fendler/Roundup

Weston Gibson tries to break around the right end and head up field before being surrounded by Mingus Marauders. Payson lost 42-14.

The Longhorns determined and spirited effort to overcome an early 20 to 0 deficit by a tough and speedy Mingus High School was in vain Friday night.

Payson players laid down impressive offense in the first half of the home opener just as they had against Chino Valley last week.

The defense came alive before the first half ended, stopping Mingus from scoring long enough to allow the Longhorn offense time to find a way to the end zone for 14 points.

Although Payson's momentum looked familiar, it wasn't there in the second half when penalty yardage and poor field position negated their earlier showing.

When the final tally was over, the scoreboard read Mingus 42 and Payson 14.

Tough loss to swallow after last week's win.