Warriors defeated by Panthers

On October 19, the Fallbrook Warriors traveled to Vista attempting to receive their first league win. After a tough game against Rancho Buena Vista, the Warriors looked to bounce back and defeat the Panthers, who are 4-2. Even though Fallbrook gave the Panthers a fight, Vista defeated Fallbrook by a score of 21-7.

The first quarter looked promising for the Warriors as the Fallbrook defense forced two fumbles, which were recovered by Lyle Ducker and Joe Burke. However, the Fallbrook offense never ignited in the game and did not capitalize on these turnovers. The first quarter ended with a score of 0-0.

The second quarter began with a wonderful play by Vista’s quarterback on a scramble to the right. The play set up a touchdown, making the score 7-0. The Warriors took the ball back in poor field position and were forced to punt. Vista then drove the ball down the field but a sack by Colin Perry forced the Panthers to attempt a field goal, which was no good.

The next couple of possessions for Fallbrook and Vista were unsuccessful, as both teams had a ton of pressure put on by the defenses. During these possessions, the punters got a lot of work and there was a great interception by T.J. Sumpter. The half ended with the score 7-0.

Halftime concluded and the Panthers took the early momentum as their running back went about 70 yards for a touchdown. The Warriors looked to bounce back when they sustained a drive helped out by a fumbled punt, putting them into Panther territory. However, they did not convert on fourth down, giving Vista the ball.

Vista came at the Warriors’ defense through the air on this possession and after a long pass for a touchdown the score was 21-0. On the assuming kickoff, Marquis Sumpter (5 catches for 69 yards) took the ball all the way to the Vista 44, setting up perfect field position.

After a pass interference call and a pass from Michael Leonard (8/28 for 79 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) to Marquis Sumpter, the Warriors finally scored. The points came on a three-yard pass from Leonard to J.T. Kerr. As the third quarter came to an end, Vista had 21, Fallbrook 7.

The fourth quarter contained no scoring and had lots of punting and tough defense. Some of the highlights included a pass from Leonard to Marquis Sumpter for 39 yards, great prevention defense by Fallbrook and much more.

The Warriors tried to make a comeback in the quarter, but an interception and some dropped passes did not help out the team. The Warrior offense could not get going and this cost them the game.

Overall, Fallbrook had a great conference battle against their rival but did not come out on top.

The Warriors have a tough schedule in front of them and need to be flawless on both sides of the ball. The next game is this Friday, Nov. 2 at home.

Come and support the Warrior teams! Go Warriors!