By Andrew Georgy
The Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) Barons (1-2) varsity football team faltered against the Marina High School (MHS) Vikings (3-0) at home in the Barons’ third game of the season in a tight match, bringing the Barons season record to 1-2. The Barons struggled against the pressure of Marina’s defensive line, scoring only one touchdown on Friday.
Due to multiple injuries and suspensions in their last match against Esperanza High School, the team was without multiple starters.
“[Players were] ejected, so [they were] suspended [for] this game. Last game, we had about five guys out that would be playing, but that’s okay, we got guys that could play,” head varsity coach David Gutierrez said. “We had five starters out … I can go through a list of the guys that are out.”
The game started shakily for the Barons as they almost lost the ball within the early stages. Yet, as they progressed, the offense started making solid passes with senior Lucas Alexander throwing a few passes to senior Charles Grover. Slowly marching towards the end zone, junior Cameron Farr contributed a 19-yard run.
Despite FVHS holding onto the ball for around the first ten minutes of the game and a touchdown looking inevitable, Marina’s cornerback grabbed an interception by stepping in front of the pass to Grover. With the Vikings taking the ball to the endzone for a 67-yard touchdown, the Barons faced a 0-7 deficit with 5:15 left in the first quarter.
“Just some mistakes that brought pressure. Our kids got to be able to respond [when Marina] brings pressure to the quarterback and pressure to our offensive line,” Gutierrez said.
Soon after, the Barons’ stands were roaring after Grover completed a 95-yard kick return that would later be called back. Due to Alexander being sacked several times, the Barons were forced to punt the ball to finish off the first quarter.
After the start of the second quarter, Marina would unsuccessfully try multiple times to break through the FVHS defense. Still, a strong defensive line and multiple tackles by seniors Luke Taylor and Dylan Warner stopped them from progressing only a few yards every play. After Marina missed a field goal, the ball was back with the Barons with 7:39 left on the clock until halftime.
Multiple runs by Farr and successful catches by Taylor marked a spell of possession for the Barons but as the clock ticked down there were no signs of excellent progress. Later on, Alexander and Grover led the plays, but the Barons still struggled through the compacted Marina defense.
With 42.7 seconds remaining in the second, a fake punt by senior Nolan Olivares sneaked by several Vikings, but, ultimately, Olivaries fell short by a few yards of securing a first down. A tackle from senior Kevin Quach and an incomplete pass from Marina finished off the second quarter.
To start the third quarter, Marina returned the kick for 30 yards, positioning the Vikings down the field. Crucial tackles by Taylor, senior Nicholas Southern and junior Matthew Simeta helped stall the Vikings from getting toward the end zone.
On third and two, the Vikings scored a 25-yard touchdown with 6:29 left. After a successful extra-point conversion, the Vikings extended their lead to 14-0.
Looking for a response, Alexander connected to Southern, with Farr completing several runs as well. A run from junior Sam Garza pushed the Barons toward the finish line, and a play-action allowed Alexander to locate Grover in the top corner of the endzone. Failing to convert the extra point, the Barons closed the lead to 6-14.
An attempted onside kick failed, and the Vikings held the ball on their 40-yard line. The Barons’ firm defensive structure held the Vikings stationary in the fourth quarter. The Barons would regain possession after tight defense forced several incomplete passes.
However, Marina returned with their rigid defense and sacked Alexander several times. Forcing the Barons to a turnover on downs, the Vikings regained possession 25 yards from the Barons’ endzone. The Vikings would score just four downs later after a string of successive passes and an extra point conversion, making the score 6-21.
Pushing for a final offensive drive, Grover returned the kick for 50 yards, positioning the Barons on the Vikings’ 20-yard line. A touchdown pass was caught, but the tipped pass was ruled out of bounds. Marina regained possession, and the Vikings would run down the clock with only a few minutes remaining, finishing the game with a score of 6-21.
“[Our message to] our kids is to keep battling. Injuries hurt, but guys got to step up, and they got to be able to make plays,” Gutierrez said. “They practice all year to have at least ten games and participate in the varsity game. The twos have to try and play just as well as our ones.”
The Barons face off against Tustin High School in another home game next Friday at 7:00 p.m. at Ocean View High School.
Uy Pham and Jayden Nguyen contributed to this story.
