The Hornets defeated the Riverside Tigers 75-16 in the Southern California Football Association Championship game. The game was held on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Whittier College Memorial Stadium.
From their very first drive, the Hornets came out with speed, energy and consistency. With dominant gameplay on both sides of the ball, Fullerton earned its 18th win in a row and a place in the State Championship.
It did not take the Hornets long to get going, and when they did, they did not look back.
Riverside scored on their first drive, however their lead did not last. On the second play of the first drive, 30 seconds after the Tigers scored, Gerald Hulett rushed 85 yards for a touchdown, to even the game 7-7.
The Hornets defense carried over that momentum and forced the Tigers to punt on their next 4 of 5 possession, with the 5th being a forced fumble by Hornet Devin Hessler.
“Defense sparked us today, we played great all day long on defense. Offense made the plays that we needed them to make,” said Head-Coach Byrns.
Fullerton’s defense forced and recovered three fumbles, and had three interceptions, making it six turnovers for Riverside.
With the defense controlling the Tigers, and offense able to rest and play at their tempo, the Hornets just kept attacking. They were relentless.
Quarterback Ladarius Skelton finished off the first quarter with a pair of rushing touchdowns, making it 21-7.
The second quarter was a showcase of Fullerton’s strong ground game. With a team total of 377 rushing yards, the Hornets offensive line and backfield were a force to reckoned with.
Quarterback Johnny Feauto ran for one touchdown and Hulett had two more rushing touchdowns which helped extend the lead to 41-16.
Halfway through the 3rd quarter, defensive back Taj Jones sealed the deal and crushed any hope for a comeback as he intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown.
Skelton then successfully converted the two point attempt making the score 56-16.
With the game in their control, the Hornets continued to run the ball and run out the clock.
Towards the end of the 3rd quarter, Feauto marched the Hornets down the field on an impressive six play, 98 yard drive in 2:22. He finished off the powerful drive with a 55 yard rushing touchdown.
The Hornets put the final nail in the coffin by scoring two touchdowns in the 4th quarter, leaving the score at an incredible 75-16.
“We had a great game plan going into the game we just have to keep doing what we have been doing all year. 75 points it feels great,” said Feauto.
The Hornets put up impressive numbers. The defense had a total of 8 sacks, and held Riverside to only 68 yards rushing. Hulett rushed 23 times for 197 yards, for 3 touchdowns. Fullerton’s offense let loose with a total of 749 yards with only 1 turnover and no interceptions.
The SCFA gave out awards for the Championship game. The Offensive Player of the Game was receiver Cam Sutton, Riverside, and the Defensive Player of the game was linebacker Caleb Johnson.
The MVP was quarterback Johnny Feauto, who had a stellar performance. Feauto finished the game with 201 yards passing, and was 11-16. He ran for 96 yards on attempts and had a total of 3 touchdowns.
“I owe a lot to my teammates and the o-line for blocking their butt off for me, wide receivers going up and getting it, and coaches putting me in a good position. I;m just blessed and super excited,” said Feauto, on receiving MVP.
The Hornets remain undefeated and will face their next opponent at Sacramento City College in the State Championship on December 9th, against the winner of the San Mateo/ American River game.