CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The San Juan High School varsity football team got a startling wake up call following their first win of the season.

The Spartans (1-3) lost their first two games of the season by four points each, respectively. San Juan lost 12-8 at Encina Prep (2-1) on August 20 and 24-20 at Mira Loma (2-3) one week later.

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Two days into September, the Spartans earned their first win. In its home opener, San Juan defeated Millennium (1-4) of Tracy by a score of 28-6. After a scoreless first half, the Spartans scored two touchdowns in each of the third and fourth quarters to win by three scores.

Then in a Monday Night Football battle against regional rival Mesa Verde (4-0), San Juan was greatly humbled. The Mavericks won emphatically, defeating the Spartans 53-0 on September 12.

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San Juan got extra time to regroup with its bye week. The Spartans will now attempt to bounce back from the lopsided loss with an away game at Western Sierra Collegiate Academy (0-4) of Rocklin on Friday, September 23.

The following week, San Juan will begin Sierra Delta League play with a road game at Vacaville Christian (0-5). Kickoff for both games is set for 7 p.m.