By Matthew Nguyen, sports editor
On Friday, the Fountain Valley Barons fell 56-7 in a devastating loss against the Edison Chargers. This game was the 50th match-up of the annual bell game and marked the 15th consecutive loss for the barons.
The barons came out of the gates swinging for the fences. They unveiled a new offensive set that has rarely been shown previous to the opening drive to start the game. With multiple running backs in their backfield, Fountain Valley caught the chargers off guard with their unorthodox rushing attack. They pounded the ball early and scored an opening drive touchdown off a quick play action in the red zone. Junior quarterback Jimmy Russel pulled the ball back and found senior running back James Martinez in the flats for the first touchdown of the game. The barons would go up 7-0 with five minutes left in the first.
“We were going out and just believing in the game plan we had,” said coach Kyle Middlebrooks. “We were gonna [come] out strong and fast and hit them in the mouth.”
However, even with the momentum swinging the barons way early, the chargers easily drove down the field on the following drive. They scored off a gashing run to close the first quarter tied at 7-7.
The barons offense stalled after the first drive and struggled to move the ball. The rushing attack struggled to get pass the stout defensive line and the chargers were no longer confused by the play action. Edison, on the other hand, continued to move the ball with ease, punishing
Fountain valley for another three touchdowns as the half continued. The half ended with the barons trailing 7-28.
“We came out pretty strong in the beginning, but you know things change at the same time. Our guys just gotta keep fighting [and] keep going,” said coach Middlebrooks.
The second half continued the same as how the first half ended. The chargers continue to drive and score with little resistance from the barons’ defense. They continued to run and pass the ball with ease and even scored off of a play where the running back was tasked to throw the ball.
On the other hand, the barons offense had completely stalled. The passing attack fluttered and the running game was nonexistent. The chargers scored three straight touchdowns in the third quarter and tool their foot off the gas in the fourth, where they only scored one. The game would end with the score of 7-56 in Edison’s favor.
“We [had] mental mistakes,” said coach Middlebrooks. “ It’s just one of those things where it comes down to the little things and it changed the whole game.”
The barons will face off against the Huntington Beach oilers next friday in their final league game of the season. The barons hope to secure a victory and a place in the playoffs through their upcoming matchup.
“[We have to] do it for the seniors next week,” said coach Middlebrooks. “[If] we win we get to continue the season, if not we’re shaking hands.”
