The Hornets 2019 football season came to an end Saturday, after the Hornets drop a close game to the Mt. SAC Mounties 20-13.

Fullerton entered the conference title game with a ton of momentum after two straight conference wins against El Camino and San Diego Mesa.

Fullerton drew first blood in this contest after a field goal kick from Alex Fonseca gave the Hornets a 3-0 lead in the first quarter.

Both teams brought high intensity as defense was the story of this game.

Mt. SAC would counter in the second quarter with a field goal of their own tying the game 3-3.

Mt. SAC respected the game of Hornets Kashan Griffin who has been deadly as a kick returner this season and kept the ball out of his hands, kicking short for majority of the game.

The short kick worked out for the Hornets giving them great field position. Hornets quarterback Cooper Callis marched the Hornets down field and capped off the drive with a 25-yard touchdown run. The Hornets would lead 10-3 in the second quarter.

Fulleton’s defense held Mt. SAC in check forcing them to punt on the next drive. Fullerton took over and the drive was ended abruptly after freshman Alfonzo Graham fumbled on the 22-yard line giving the Mounties possession and momentum.

The Mounties would drive upfield and score to tie the game 10-10.

Right before halftime Mt. SAC was in possession of the ball on the 2-yard line, but the Hornet defense was able to stand their ground and keep the game tied 10-10.

The second half began and it was all Mounties the rest of the way, they put up 10 points in the second quarter and held Fullerton to three.

The game ended and Mt. SAC was crowned Central Conference Champions and the Hornets season was over.

“I am extremely proud of these guys for everything they’ve gone through for the last 16 months,” said head coach Garrett Campbell.

The Hornets finish the 2019 season 5-5 under first year head coach Campbell. Thirty-five sophomores will be moving on, either to the next level or continuing their education.

On the bright side, 56 freshman will be returning to this team barring no transfers or other mishap.

Campbell expressed that the future of Hornet football is bright and he expects and hopes to be back in the championship game next season.

The 2019 football season ended, but as the saying goes “Once a Hornet Always a Hornet.”