FOOTBALL: TIME RUNS OUT ON HORNETS
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FULL (6-1) | 14 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 27 |
|
Saddleback (6-1) | 6 | 11 | 6 | 7 | 30 |
In a Southern California showdown between #1 Fullerton and #3 Saddleback, the undefeated Hornets took their first loss of the season in a 30-27 shootout.
Fullerton took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter, and it looked like they were set for another blow-out win. QB Jordan Hoy hit Christian Williams from 2-yards out (9:03 1Q), and Hoy struck pay dirt on a 75-yard pass to Markus Grossman (3:31 1Q).
The Gauchos had few tricks of their own scoring 17 unanswered points in the first half taking their first lead of the game. The biggest play came on a 71-yard pass from Gaucho QB Nick Robinson to Deondre Moore. The Hornets had their work cut out for them, as they had not had to play from behind in a game during the season until then.
Fullerton managed a touchdown on a 2-yard run by Isaiah Jackson to go up 21-17 by the end of the half.
Saddleback opened the third quarter with the ball and scored on another big pass play by Robinson to Moore for an 82-yard strike. The Gauchos went up on FC 23-21.
The Hornets went on to convert two field goals by Jonathan Aguilar for 27 yards and 37 yards giving Fullerton 27-33 edge with 7:09 left in the game.
With 38 seconds left in regulation, the Gauchos scored on a pass from Robinson to Moore from the 16-yard line.
With little time to work with, FC did their best to march down the field but they simply ran out of time losing their first game of the season.
Fullerton outgained Saddleback in total yardage 481 to 385. The Gauchos were held to 56 yards on the ground, but had quite a night in the air with 329 yards. The Hornets had 199 total yards rushing and 282 passing.
Surprisingly enough, the Hornets suffered a season-high 20 penalties against them to Saddleback's 13. Two Fullerton touchdowns were called back due to illegal-man-down-field and holding calls.
Up Next: The Hornets (6-1 overall, 1-1 conference) will play at home next Saturday, October 29th against Palomar College. Kickoff will be at high noon.
*Photo by Sean Sydnor
