Fallbrook stomps Torrey Pines, 37-7

On October 31, the Fallbrook varsity football team contested the Torrey Pines Falcons. In front of a smaller-than-usual crowd, due to Halloween, the Warriors played outstandingly, both defensively and offensively. The Torrey Pines punter was the most active Falcon, having to boot the ball seven times. The Fallbrook defense held the Falcons to a total of 151 yards as the offense gained 468 yards en route to a 37-7 victory over the Avocado League opponent.

Torrey Pines received to start the game. The Fallbrook defense needed no time to get warmed up as they sacked the Falcons for a 13-yard loss. On the very next snap the Warriors tackled the opposing running back for another 2-yard loss. This forced Torrey Pines to punt.

Fallbrook’s first drive ended with a fake punt coming just shy of the first down marker. However the Warrior defense stepped up and forced another Falcon boot. Fallbrook quickly gained two first downs, the second coming on a beautiful 25-yard catch and run by Aaron Atkins. It was Atkins’ first game back after being sidelined for six weeks due to a broken jaw. The seemingly successful drive ended on the Falcons’ two-yard line after failing to convert on a fourth down. At the end of the first quarter, the game remained scoreless.

The Falcons began their drive pinned deep near their own end zone. Fallbrook stopped them for another punting situation. The boot set up a 35-yard touchdown run by Taylor Bashara for the first score of the match.

The Falcons punted again on their next possession and the Warriors cashed in quickly. Michael Welsh threw a short screen pass to Marquis Sumpter who ran it 67 yards to the end zone. On the kickoff, Torrey Pines muffed the ball and recovered it on their own 8-yard line. Fallbrook forced them to punt. Soon after, Welsh threw another touchdown to Aaron Atkins. The score brought the first half to an end as the Warriors led 20-0.

Fallbrook began the third quarter with a field goal by Brady Harrington. On the ensuing kickoff, the Falcons seemed to have a kickoff return with one more player to beat. However, the ball was knocked loose from his hands for a fumble and Fallbrook recovered it on their own 34-yard line. Sumpter caught a short pass and ran it down the field near end zone for another huge gain. This set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Jake Ware.

Torrey Pines’ offense failed to produce as their punter made another visit to the turf. This time, the punt was blocked, giving the Warriors a decent field advantage. After two first downs, Welsh threw his third strike for a touchdown to Atkins.

“I was kind of scared coming out, but we all just clicked and played great,” said Atkins who had a hundred yards receiving including a pair of touchdowns catches.

The fourth quarter did not provide enough time for a comeback although the Falcons managed to score a touchdown late in the game. The Warriors won 37-7.

After the contest, Fallbrook Coach Joe Silvey said, “Well, I’m really proud of our team. We talked before the game wanting to come together on all phases of the game and I think we did that.”

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