Warriors bounce back with big win

The Fallbrook High football team bounced back from losing its home opener to Del Norte by handily defeating Sweetwater High 30-12 at Fallbrook Stadium Aug. 24.

"I think it was a good game overall," said Fallbrook High head football coach Darius Pickett. "The kids played hard."

The Warriors, who were without starting wide receivers Luke Conley (likely out for season with a fractured collarbone) and Jared McDonald (listed as week to week with a pulled groin), still managed to put 30 points on the board.

"I like the fact that our offense is able to move the ball," said Pickett. "We have to cut down on the mental mistakes, but I think overall, it was a good effort."

Special teams played a big part in the Warriors' victory. Fallbrook's first punt resulted in a Sweetwater fumble that was recovered by Christian Vargas and gave the Warriors the ball at the Red Devils' 38-yard line.

Fallbrook took advantage of the short field, scoring a touchdown seven plays later on quarterback keeper from 1 yard out by Jake McBroom with 2:40 to play in the first quarter. The 1-yard plunge was set up by McBroom's 17-yard completion to Craig Person, who stretched out as far he could but couldn't quite get the ball in the end zone.

McBroom also had a pair of completions to Caiden Metts during the scoring drive, which was completed by a perfect PAT from kicker Miguel Diego Rojas.

Sweetwater cut Fallbrook's lead to 7-6 when the Red Devils' speedy running back Luciano Estopier brook loose for a 64-yard touchdown gallop. The PAT was blocked by the Warriors.

Fallbrook increased its advantage to 14-6 when – after its defense forced Sweetwater to turn the ball over on downs – the Warriors traveled 54 yards on eight plays for a score. McBroom had four completions during the drive, including a pair to Caiden Metts that were good for nine and 17 yards. Tyler Bellamy scored after receiving a 5-yard toss from McBroom and crossing the goal line just before taking a big hit. Rojas add the PAT to give the Warriors a 14-6 lead they would take into halftime.

Fallbrook's Dru Calloway provided the Warriors with a big play to start the second half when he returned the kickoff 75 yards to the Sweetwater 17-yard line. A nine-yard gain on the ground by Webb and an offsides penalty on the Red Devils moved the ball to the Sweetwater 4-yard line. After an incomplete pass, Calloway, appropriately, got the touchdown with a short but punishing run. The Warriors' two-point conversion attempt failed and Fallbrook led 20-6.

Later in the third quarter, a 51-yard punt by Fallbrook's Daniel Cedillo pinned Sweetwater at its own 12-yard line. Four plays later the Red Devils punted and Fallbrook started its possession at the Sweetwater 40-yard line. A pair of runs by Webb and a short gain by Person set the table for a 32-yard field goal attempt by Rojas, who nailed the kick to give Fallbrook a 23-6 lead with 11:50 to go in the fourth quarter.

Sweetwater was given a gift when a fumbled snap resulted in the Red Devils taking possession at the Fallbrook 2-yard line. Estopier scored on Sweetwater's first play to make it 23-12, but Fallbrook stopped the Red Devils' two-point conversion try.

Calloway returned the ensuing kickoff 25 yards to give Fallbrook possession at its own 48-yard line. Seven plays later Webb ran the ball into the end zone from 3 yards out and Fallbrook led 30-12 after Rojas converted the PAT with 7:33 left in the game to complete the scoring.

"I like the fact that our defense is playing really well," said Pickett. "Special teams have been really good for us and I'm pleased with their work."

Pickett was very happy with Rojas' kicking game.

"He's doing great," said Pickett of Rojas. "He's the story of hard work. I have to admit he's really surprising me with his progress from last year to this year. He deserves it. He worked his butt off this last offseason."

Fallbrook will try for back-to-victories Friday, Aug. 31, when its hosts Scripps Ranch. Kickoff is 7 p.m.