Football Recap: Kevin Verpaele's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Merritt Island over Eau Gallie

After flying high against Viera last Thursday, Merritt Island came back down to earth. The Mustangs lost 48-22 to the Eau Gallie Commodores on Tuesday. The Mustangs have struggled against the Commodores recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

Merritt Island's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kevin Verpaele, who threw for 246 yards and three TDs while completing 71.4% of his passes. Keith Hamilton was Verpaele's top target, picking up 39 receiving yards and a pair of scores.

Merritt Island's loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 6-4. As for Eau Gallie, they are on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-3 record this season.

Merritt Island and Eau Gallie will both get a bit of extra prep time before their next games. The next time the Mustangs see the field they'll take on Titusville at 7:30 p.m. on the 14th. As for Eau Gallie, their break will end when they face Tavares at 7:30 p.m. on the 14th.