2008 Woodie Awards
Hornets Rise From Struggles to Win
Fullerton wins their opening conference game despite a sloppy start.
Kenny Connolly
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Sports
Fullerton College was able to play spoiler as they defeated host, the Orange Coast College Pirates, 34-27, in the Southern Conference opener Saturday night.
The Hornets entered the game having suffered an emotional loss the week before to College of the Canyons. Fullerton came out and showed signs of a hangover as their first two offensive possessions produced an interception and a three-and-out.
"I think our guys kind of ho-hummed it in the first half," said Tim Byrnes, head coach.
The Pirates, who celebrated their 600th football game Saturday, were able to capitalize on the sluggish start to take an early 10-0 lead.
DeJon Miller put the Hornets on the first play of the second quarter, connecting on a 26-yard field goal.
Quarterback Jeff Fleming struggled early, completing 1 of 5 passes for only six yards and the turnover. Matthew Heady came off the bench midway through the second quarter, but the offense remained stagnate.
Raul Pintado recovered a fumble at the OCC?28 on the ensuing punt, reviving the Fullerton offense.Fleming returned to the field and looked for the tying score on the second play of the drive. Wide receiver Dameron Fooks was able to hold on to the pass, in between two Pirate defenders, while falling back into the endzone, making the score 10-10 with 2:57 left in the half.
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