The #5 Fullerton College Hornets were shut out 31-0 by the host #8 Ventura College Pirates on Saturday afternoon.

The Hornets did themselves no favors having six turnovers and constantly stalling drives with costly penalties. The Hornets scattered three fumbles, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal. The Pirates capitalized getting all their points off turnovers.

The Hornets’ best chance to find the end zone was early in the third quarter when sophomore defensive linemen Adrian Lomeli intercepted a pass and returned it deep into Pirates territory. After a personal foul penalty the drive ended with a turnover on downs.

The rest of the game was much of the same. Offensively the Hornets could not stay on the field, which left the defense spending much of the game battling with the Pirates’ offense.

Although the scoreboard showed 31 points the Hornet defense looked to be the only bright spot in the season opener. The Pirates constantly started with the ball deep into Hornets territory only to score 17 points on the defense. The other two touchdowns came on a blocked field goal returned and a interception return.

The Hornets (0-1) look to bounce back next week against #1 Mt. San Antonio College (0-1) who fell 30-6 to College of Canyons (1-0) in their season opener. The game will take place at Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium in Yorba Linda, a home game for the Hornets at 12:30.