Following a three-point loss last week, the Hornets were able to turn things around with a final score of 37-22 after struggling early on in the game.
In the first quarter, the Bobcats opened the scoring with a trick play. They threw a screen pass to wide receiver Joseph Walter, who then tossed it to another wide-open receiver, Gage Galbreath, who snuck behind the defense for a 47-yard touchdown as they all bit on the fake. The score was 7-0 Saddleback, and the crowd was silenced.
Fullerton didn’t take too long to get tricky either, just a few drives after Saddleback’s touchdown. On a methodical drive down the field, the Hornets executed a flea flicker. The running back Fred Hunter took the handoff and then pitched it back to the quarterback Chris Lundsberg, who found JT Weir wide open for a 52-yard touchdown that evened the score 7-7.
“I knew it was going to me,” said Weir. “Just another routine play.”
This must’ve given the Hornets some juice, as they proceeded to force a turnover on downs, giving them great field position. The Hornets took advantage of the drive, scoring a touchdown and making the score 13-7
Saddleback’s kicker Jon Richardson struggled, missing two more kicks in the second quarter, bringing his total to three missed kicks and leaving nine points on the field.
Fullerton took full advantage. Lundsberg threw a 6-yard fade to Logan Lester, who made a one-handed grab with a defender draped over him. The touchdown was part of a 20-0 run for the Hornets, and the home crowd was fully back in the game.
Saddleback wasn’t done; they executed a beautiful one-minute drill and scored again right before halftime, cutting Fullerton’s lead to 20-14.
The Hornets got off to yet another strong start in the second half by scoring another touchdown, giving themselves their two-possession lead back.
Saddleback still had fight left, especially wide receiver Nicholas Gentilella. Gentilella was running a post route when he made a highlight-reel catch, sticking his arm up while falling down to make a 37-yard catch. Fans on both sides were in shock and didn’t know how to react to what they had just witnessed.
The Hornets later kicked a field goal, but the Bobcats followed up with a touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion, making it a one-score game at 30-22. The Hornets still maintained an 8-point lead with just under nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Fullerton got the ball, and the Bobcats were desperate for a stop, leading them to be vulnerable to the deep shot. The Hornets did just that. Luke Indorf caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from Lundsberg, extending the Hornets’ lead back to two scores.
Standout wide receiver Weir had another great day in the office, with five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. However, during the game, he had a dropped pass, which was his second on the drive, and it was evident that he was not happy.
“I expect myself to make that play, I expect myself to make every play,” said Weir.
The Hornets forced a turnover and ran out the clock, ending the game with another impressive performance by the offense.
“We put our egos aside and play as a team,” said Weir. “We go out and practice as hard as we play, which leads to us executing.”
