Warriors come back, hold on for football win at Escondido

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The Fallbrook High School football team had to come from behind and then maintain a slight lead Oct. 15 at Escondido for the Warriors to win the 28-23 game.

"The kids found a way to win. That's what I'm most happy with," said Fallbrook head coach Troy Everhart.

Fallbrook sophomore Chris Bausch scored on an 11-yard run in the first quarter, and senior Josh McBroom kicked the extra point for a 7-0 Warriors lead. The first quarter also included an interception by Fallbrook junior Caleb Quintero. "We gave it right back on a fumbled snap," Everhart said.

A second-quarter fumble was more costly, as Escondido converted the turnover for a touchdown. Cougars quarterback Xavier Terrazas threw touchdown passes of 9 and 65 yards in the period, and successful extra points created a 14-7 Escondido advantage.

"Fortunately Josh had a long run right before halftime," Everhart said.

McBroom scored on a 35-yard run with about 90 seconds remaining in the half, and his extra point tied the game.

A one-yard run by McBroom and his conversion kick opened third-quarter scoring. Escondido countered with a field goal before junior Marcus Washington scored on a 30-yard run and McBroom's extra point created a 28-17 score.

In the final two minutes of the game Terrazas completed a 32-yard touchdown pass to Abraham Perez, who also caught the 65-yard scoring reception. "In the passing game we weren't very aggressive," Everhart said.

"We were playing scared," Everhart said. "We were playing not to get beat deep."

Everhart noted that the Fallbrook defense wasn't challenging receivers. "You've got to want to actually either intercept or deflect the ball," he said.

Escondido tried for a two-point conversion, but the Warriors' defense prevented that. The Cougars then tried an onside kick. "We recovered the onside. We had to get two first downs in order to kneel it out," Everhart said.

Fallbrook obtained those two first downs and let the clock run to zero with the kneel downs.

"Just nice to win. The kids played hard," Everhart said.

The victory was the first in Valley League play this season for Fallbrook, whose Valley League record is now 1-2. The Warriors improved their overall mark to 3-5.

Senior Night festivities will precede tomorrow's home game against San Pasqual, who is also 1-2 against Valley League opponents albeit 4-4 overall. The Warriors will close out their regular season Oct. 29 at Rancho Buena Vista, and the Oct. 30 CIF playoff seeding and selection meeting will determine whether the Warriors will have a post-season home game.