Coming off a two-game losing skid, the McClintock Chargers are pushing for a win against the Independence Patriots on Friday.

Even with the losses, McClintock is seeing improvement.

"We knew we had to be mistake free with energy,” McClintock coach Corbin Smith said. “The fact is we made mistakes. We watch plenty of films, and we have improved though the scores may not show it.”

Last week, the Chargers dropped a 24-6 decision to Campo Verde, but they are taking the game in a positive manner since last year’s 35-7 loss and taking a new coach into consideration.

“(With Coach Smith) it’s definitely a lot better,” junior wide receiver Will Roberts said. “We are getting more as a team and more organized.”

Down 10-0 with three seconds left in the half, McClintock running back Tyrese Green turned a short pass into a 73 yard touchdown to put the Chargers on the board. After a dropped snap on an extra point attempt, the teams went into the locker rooms with the score standing at 10-6.

“You could see their speed,” Campo Verde coach Max Ragsdale said. “They’re a well-coached team. (Coach Corbin Smith) is really going to get the ball rolling over there.”

With three fumbles, two recovered by McClintock, there were glimpses of the end zone but Campo Verde (4-0) defense was too much for the Chargers to handle. With multiple sacks and what felt like more yards lost than gained in the second half, McClintock was visibly discouraged.

Looking forward to Friday night’s Class 5A non-region home game against Independence (0-3), McClintock must focus on maintaining drive success during the second half.

Peaking in the second quarter in the first three games, McClintock (1-2) has failed to score in the third quarter. However, with Independence struggling in the third quarter as well, the Chargers look optimistic to put up points more consistently.

Although Independence has an edge on McClintock in average points scored per game, the Chargers are more successful in rushing yards by 20 yards per game.

Independence averages 42.3 points given up per game, and McClintock holds the defensive advantage. Seniors Sergio Medina and Jerone Davison Jr. lead the Chargers in tackles, helping to keep McClintock at an average of 24 points allowed per game.

McClintock will have to contain Patriots quarterback Adrian Talbo, who averages 188.7 passing yards per game.

"This year we’re improving game by game, so we should be able to win our next game,” Roberts said.

Friday night will honor the 1977 State Champion team, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the schools first state championship.

The upcoming three weeks, including the McClintock and Independence game, will be featuring the Touchdown Against Cancer Games in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

The Chargers, along with other area high schools, are welcoming fans to pledge between $5 and $100 per touchdown between Sept. 14 and 30 in order to contribute funds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.