It seemed that things were only looking up for the Mavericks. The football team was coming off a decisive 41-7 victory over St. Mark’s School of Texas as well as a week of immense school spirit. The expectations were high as the Mavericks headed into Rice Stadium Oct. 28 to face Kinkaid.                                    

The 66th annual rivalry ended in disappointment. The Mavericks missed Senior Captain Rob Wallace, who was serving a one-game suspension for a targeting penalty from the week before.

Despite the loss of their star running back Johnathan Thomas, Kinkaid gashed the Maverick defense throughout the game by running the ball.

After Kinkaid opened the game with a touchdown drive, the Maverick offense responded with a field goal. Sophomore quarterback Wesley Gow completed a pass to senior Wheeler Gibson for an 18-yard gain, which set a up kicker Matthew Garnett for the 27-yard field goal.

That was  the best the Mavericks did that night. The team lost by a final score of 42-9.

“We couldn’t establish a rhythm on either offense or defense,” junior Brock Cannon said. “It was without a doubt the most frustrating game of the season.”

Despite the team struggle against Kinkaid, the St John’s side of the stadium was full with alumni, students and parents.

“I was pleased to see a great and lively St John’s crowd.” Headmaster Mark Desjardins said at the game.                                      

The student section, which was about twice the size of Kinkaid’s, continued to cheer loudly and support the team, even as the game got out of hand.

For St John’s, the disappointing loss did not account for the huge strides the Mavericks have taken this season, especially on offense.

With a new scheme led by Offensive Coordinator Aaron Vice, the Mavericks opened up the field. Six offensive starters are returning, including quarterback Wesley Gow and breakout receiver Genson Hooper-Price.

“I’m excited to see what we can do next year,” junior Charles Sampson. “ I think we can achieve something special.”