Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922

The Hornet

The Hornet

Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922

The Hornet

Hornets fly past Bobcats to remain undefeated in conference

It was a quarterback effort between sophomore Josh Calvin and freshman Brandon Nunez, who shared captain duties, that carried the no. 5 Hornets towards their fourth Southern California Conference Association victory against the Bobcats at Saddleback College on Saturday, Nov. 5.

At the 2 for the Hornets, 2nd, and goal, sophomore Malik Winston with the carry, runs through Saddleback territory finishing with a touchdown for Fullerton during the away game Saturday, Nov 5.
At 2nd and goal, sophomore running back Malik Winston with the carry, runs through Saddleback territory finishing with a touchdown for Fullerton during the away game Saturday, Nov 5. Photo credit: Aaliyah Skipper

On paper, the Bobcats (2-7, 1-3) should have been an easy win for the Hornets, but nine Fullerton penalties, the inability to convert third downs, and defensive problems in the fourth quarter made it a competitive game.

Nunez’s first drive in the third quarter was a meticulous effort to get to the end zone. He was precise with his passes to wide receivers Will Gipson for a gain of eight yards and Aidan Koenig to get closer to the end zone. Nunez rushed 13 yards for a touchdown to take the lead to 27-9.

Nunez ended the game with seven completed passes for a total of 78 passing yards. He rushed seven times for a total of 31 yards and two touchdowns.

Saddleback’s struggles in the third quarter became an opportunity for freshman defensive back Khadari Kurns to score a touchdown after blocking a field goal attempt. He ran 60-yards in the opposite direction to score the Hornet’s last touchdown of the game and take the score to 34-9.

Saturday, Nov 5. on Saddleback's home field, Hornet sophomore Amari Williams makes a viscous tackle against Saddleback. Teammates sophomore Tyler Carter and freshman Labarron Kennedy Jr. hype him up after the play.
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at Saddleback's home field, Hornets sophomore Tyler Carter and freshman Labarron Kennedy Jr. celebrate sophomore Amari Williams viscous tackle against Saddleback. Photo credit: Aaliyah Skipper

The Hornets struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, not being able to convert to first downs or make any plays of significance.

The Bobcats scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, making the game a nail-biter. The Hornet’s defensive strategies helped them burn the time clock while preserving the win with a final score of 34-32.

“It was a hard-fought win,” said Nunez. “We tried to control the clock, but overall, it was a great team win. We had some mistakes, but that is just for us to clean up and fix for next week.”

In Fullerton’s first drive of the game, Calvin took the ball 70-yards to get within field-goal range, allowing freshman punter, Jonathan Fobear to hit a 29-yard field-goal, tying the game 3-3.

Once again, Calvin put the ball within field-goal range, allowing Fobear to hit a 37-yard kick, extending the Hornets lead to 13-3. Calvin ended the game with five completed passes for a total of 49 passing yards. He rushed six times for a total of 48 yards.

In the 1st quarter, freshman Brandon Nunez puts the ball into play with a clean handoff to freshman Garnett Davis III for a 1st and goal for the Hornets during Saturday night's away game against Saddleback College.
In the 1st quarter, freshman quarterback Brandon Nunez puts the ball into play with a clean handoff to freshman running back Garnett Davis III, for a Hornet's 1st and goal, during Saturday night's away game against Saddleback College. Photo credit: Aaliyah Skipper

The Hornets finished the conference game with 127 passing yards, 166 rushing yards, and a ball possession time 28:29.

“We got to get better and heal up. Just come out and be ready to play,” said head coach Garrett Campbell when asked about the upcoming championship game. “Our next game will be an emotional game. It’s going to be like a heavyweight boxing match, so we got to be ready to go offensively or defensively”

The Hornets (8-1, 4-0) will return to their home field at Fullerton District Stadium to host Golden West College (8-1, 4-0) on Saturday, Nov. 12, for the 2022 Homecoming game. Many former football Hornets are expected to attend as part of the Homecoming celebration to honor former coach Hal Sherbeck and his mighty national championship teams of 1965, 1967, and 1983.

About the Contributor
Matthew Gonzalez, Staff Photographer
Matthew Gonzalez is a third semester staff photographer for The Hornet. Aside from being a staff reporter, he is also into sports photography. Matthew's passion in sports comes from watching and covering football, soccer, and basketball. During his free time he enjoys working out or listening to music. He is a huge Taylor Swift lover. Matthew plans on transferring to Cal State Northridge next fall to get a bachelors degree in Journalism.  His end goal is to work for a newspaper company.