THERMAL — A bad snap on a punt attempt allowed visiting Big Bear High School to run its first play from the Desert Mirage six-yard line De Anza League game in Thermal. The Bears capitalized on the great field position, finding the end zone on a quick 6-yard pass from Shane Morrissey to Eddie Muro and the rout was on as Big Bear rolled, 32-0.

Despite the early and costly mistake, the Rams were not fazed by it.

Desert Mirage responded by grinding out an 11-play drive that consumed most of the first quarter.

On fourth-and-1 on the 11th play of the drive, senior quarterback Jose Navarro found Francisco Ferro in the end zone on a 34-yard pass, but as momentum seemed to shift, it quickly evaporated. A holding penalty against the Rams nullified the score. Instead of a tie game, the Rams were forced to punt and were not able to recover.

Rams head coach Jeff Tebelak attributed the loss to the costly mistakes made by his team.

“We made a lot of mistakes out there tonight,” said Tebelak. “The penalty on that touchdown, the punt — our kids worked hard and played tough — but when you make these type of mistakes, it's hard to overcome.”

The nullified touchdown seemed to change the demeanor of the Rams throughout the rest of the game. On their next possession, the Rams fumbled away.

The offense was unsuccessful in sustaining drives, and the defense was not able to contain the rushing attack of Big Bear.

With a 18-0 lead to begin the third period, Big Bear pushed the game out of reach when Morrissey scored his second rushing touchdown on a 25-yard quarterback keeper. Along with the two rushing scores, Morrissey was a perfect 7 for 7 through the air for 46 yards and a score.

Desert Mirage managed to rush for a total of 139 yards. Alex Bonilla led the way with 72 yards, while Ivan Ruiz finished with 50 rushing yards.