California Pintos football played in their first conference and district game of the 2024 season last Friday night against the Southern Boone Eagles.
On the opening kickoff, the Eagles got the ball first and returned it all the way to the California 40-yard line. On the first play of the drive, Southern Boone quarterback Mason Shearer completed a pass to running back Hudson Talley, who took the ball all the way to the end zone for a touchdown. The Eagles made the extra point to go ahead 7-0 just 17 seconds into the game. Later in the first quarter, California's defense got a critical stop in their own red zone and forced the Eagles to miss a 27-yard field goal.
With 10:31 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Southern Boone added to their lead with a 27-yard touchdown run from running back Logan Bishop. Then with just under two minutes left in the first half, the Eagles forced the Pintos into a punt. Then Shearer took Southern Boone back into the California red zone. Shearer completed the drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown with 1:38 minutes to go in the first half.
Now down 21-0 late in the first half, the Pintos were in urgent need of a score before halftime. However, they were forced to punt again after only three plays. With another opportunity to add to their lead before halftime, Shearer targeted Eli Piper for a 40-yard catch down to the California seven-yard line.
Three plays later, Shearer called his own number again for a one-yard rushing touchdown. Although California stopped the extra point attempt, they found themselves behind 27-0 at halftime.
The Pintos began the second half with the ball in their possession. Running back Brooks Volkart gave California a jolt of electricity when he broke through the Eagles defense for a 37-yard run. However, a turnover on downs costed the Pintos an important possession. From that point on, Southern Boone continued to control the game. The Eagles scored two more touchdowns in the second half with a 23-yard rushing touchdown by Talley with 5:51 remaining in the third quarter, then a 15-yard touchdown run by wide receiver Jace Wren with 6:27 minutes left in the final quarter.
Despite their efforts to come back, California was unable to find the end zone in the second half. The Pintos managed to only get 69 yards in the game and Southern Boone walked away with a 40-0 win over California. Friday's loss was only the second time Pintos football has been shutout under head coach Kenny Grubb.
The Pintos will look to get back in the win column on Friday where they play in their first home game of the season against the Blair Oaks Falcons.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes) Running back Brooks Volkart runs for a 37-yard run against Southern Boone on Friday night.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes) Wide receiver Landon Hays makes a catch for a five-yard gain against the Southern Boone Eagles.
(Democrat photo/Evan Holmes) Pintos football head coach Kenny Grubb addresses his team before the opening kickoff.