CAVING IN TO CANYONS

Saturday night was the home opener for the recently ranked No. 5 Hornets, but the Hal Sherbeck Football Classic was spoiled by a 29-13 defeat by College of the Canyons.

The non-conference game looked promising on Fullerton's first drive as the offensive unit flawlessly took the ball down the field to score in eight plays on a 16-yard scamper by quarterback Tobey Schmidt. 

The FC defense looked sharp forcing the Cougars to a three-and-out in their first drive. The Hornet's second drive quickly turned into a nightmare when a pick-six for 35 yards by COC's Derek Flowers tied the game up. 

Fullerton stalled on its next offensive drive, and a muffed punt attempt gave the Canyons the ball deep in FC territory on the 3-yardline. The Hornet defense looked strong pushing the Cougars back to the five, but an arching pass on third down by Brady Welch salied deep into the left corner of the endzone allowing Chaz Hilst to make a one-handed grab.

Another stalled drive and another muffed punt attempt gave Canyons great field possession on the FC 39, and the Cougars took advantage converting a 36-yard field goal by Luis Rodriguez.

Trailing 17-7, the Hornets were reeling on offense as College of the Canyons seemed to suck up all of the momentum. Luis Rodriguez knocked down another field goal at 5:52 of the second quarter from 32-yards, and the did it again from 37-yards after a Fullerton fumble. Another Hornet turnover allowed Rodriguez to kick another one through the uprights from 27 yards putting FC in a 26-7 hole by halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Hornets were able to get back into the endzone with five minutes left in the game when running back Jared Peters caught a pass from Max Martin for a 9-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, and Fullerton still trailed 26-13. 

Cougar kicker Luis Rodriguez dashed any hope of a Fullerton miracle kicking his fifth straight and farthest field goal from 42-yards out with 1:52 left in regulation.

Up Next: The Hornets (1-1 overall) will look to bounce back into the win column at East Los Angeles College on Saturday, September 21st for a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm. 

*Photo by Matt Brown