Magic runs out on Perryville in homecoming loss

The magic ran out at the worst time.

The Perryville Pirates, seemingly resembling the Belles of the ball during their previous three home wins, turned into pumpkins in the second half of a 28-26 loss to Jefferson on homecoming Saturday in Perryville, Mo.

Perryville had a 19-7 lead after the first two quarters, and quarterback Rilaynd Graham was named homecoming king at halftime. The Pirates squandered their lead away in the second half with all but two offensive drives ending with a fumble or interception.

It wasn't just one player losing the ball. Two different passers got picked off and multiple rushers lost control of the ball.

"Turnovers sink because everyone points the finger at people and we made a lot of mistakes," Perryville coach Brent Roth said. "I think Rilaynd was taking it pretty hard on himself but it was not on him. We could have blocked better, we could have called different plays. He's got to keep his head up. He's playing really well this year. He's the last person that wants to have those things happen."

Regardless of the cornucopia of turnovers, the Pirates had a chance until the very end because of how their defense was able to slow down a Jefferson offense that averaged 38.5 points per game.

"This is absolutely the definition of bend, don't break defense," Roth said.

Perryville quarterback Rilaynd Graham scrambles against Jefferson on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Pirate Stadium in Perryville, Mo.Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

The Pirates first scored on a six-yard touchdown run by Barrett Wheeler in the first quarter. After Jefferson scored to take a 7-6 lead, the Pirates responded with a 28-yard touchdown run by Kayd Luckey. A 15-yard touchdown run by Graham rounded out the scoring for the Pirates in the first half.

The Pirates also scored at the end of the fourth quarter on a 10-yard pass from Graham to Wheeler, but it was too late by then to make up for all the prior miscues.

"We executed our gameplan well," Roth said. "I don't think the offense played badly in the second half. They just couldn't hang onto the ball."

The Pirates' offensive line was at their best this game, creating holes for Wheeler to power through the Jefferson defense.

"I think they played their best game this far this year," Roth said. "It's good to see that young group improve. Hopefully, they can continue that throughout the rest of the year."

Perryville stands at 3-3 with three more games left on the schedule. The Pirates will travel to New Madrid Country to take on the Eagles on Friday.

"There's still a lot that we can accomplish as far as having a winning record this year and getting a district home game and getting a district win," Roth said. "All those things are still in front of us."