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Seconds after the end of the first half of Laurel High School's football game against Suitland on Saturday, Laurel Athletic Director Terry Parfitt announced the beginning of the homecoming festivities. And just then, a heavy downpour of rain started and continued through the halftime program.

It was oddly symbolic, as Laurel's homecoming game already was a downer. The Spartans trailed 21-0, and things didn't get better in the second half, as Suitland went on to a

34-0 victory in a County 4A League game.

In the Spartans' temporary team room — a trailer sitting in the parking lot outside of Kirby Field — the players slowly took of their uniforms and pads as the rain continuing pelting outside. As Laurel's building is undergoing an expansive renovation, the Spartans took another tough defeat in their rebuilding project.

"We've lost games that we should've won," said Laurel senior tight end/defensive end Darrin Stratford. "Last week, we didn't even play a whole game."

The Spartans won 22-0 on Monday against High Point in a game that was stopped late in the first half after an on-field skirmish between the teams. Referees ejected nine players, including four from Laurel. Those players were suspended for Saturday's contest, per Prince George's County Public Schools athletic rules.

Moore said the four players, whose names he declined to disclose, are regular contributors. The Spartans were going to need their full compliment against Suitland, which has been the model program in the county this decade with two Class 4A state championships.

With an eighth consecutive trip to the postseason for the taking with a win Saturday, the District Heights school (7-1) controlled the Spartans after a slow start. Devonte Lindsey threw for 136 yards and touchdowns to Jermaine Johnson and Jason Johnson. Dontrewell Kelley, Kevin Williams and Keith Brown ran for touchdowns.

Laurel managed only 29 yards of offense, as its home field was a mud pool for most of the second half. Mike Akeya (41 yards rushing), Miguel Quintanilla (16) and Marcus Allen (7) were only the Spartans with positive yardage.

"[Suitland] handled the rain better than we did," said Moore. "They were able to execute taking snaps. We couldn't get the snap for two or three straight drives."

Before the rain, Laurel enjoyed early success. The Spartans took the opening drive to midfield before punting. In the second quarter, the Spartans reached Suitland's 21-yard line before consecutive sacks ended the drive.

Lindsey threw a pass to Jason Johnson near the right sideline, and Johnson was able to avoid a couple of would-be Spartan tackles for a 40-yard touchdown, giving Suitland a 13-0 lead.

Though Laurel (3-5) has dropped four of its last five decisions after a 2-1 start, Moore is seeing many positives. The Spartans were shut out for the first time this season Saturday after being held scoreless three times in their first eight games last fall.

Laurel can capture a .500 season with victories at Northwestern and DuVal the final two weeks. The Spartans haven't been .500 or better since 1996.

"If we can get over this little hump, we know we can compete with these teams," said Moore, in his second season. "The coaches around the county say we're doing some good things and that's what I'm telling the kids. It's the little things we need to do to move to that next echelon of teams in the county. We're well on our way and we're not going to back to the old Laurel, no matter what the record is."