The varsity boys football team (4-3) defeated the Poway High School Titans (3-4) in a 40-22 sweep last Friday night, bringing the team’s energy and spirited student section back onto the field for another showdown.
From cheering to the famous ‘Friday Night Lights,’ the school’s home games came back in session, and a night of competition set in.
The night for the Falcons started off with the Titans seven points ahead in the first quarter, with a final score of 0-7. The Titans marked the start of the second quarter with a passing touchdown and taking the lead.
However, wide receiver and defensive back Dominic Rocha (12) led the second quarter early on with an immediate four-yard rushing touchdown, placing the Falcons just one point behind the Titans 6-7.
Poway struck back with their running back returning a 99-yard kick into the endzone, securing another touchdown for the Titans. This set the scoreboard to 6-13, widening the lead.
But for the Falcons, this was just the beginning. Two back-to-back rushing touchdowns were made by wide receiver Logan Bonneau (11) and running back Sonny Villegas (12).
Immediately after scoring, the Falcons made a third successful play from their kicker to land an additional point over the Titans.
Clark Drcar (11), kicker and ranked first in San Diego’s Avocado League, also made two back-to-back PATs (Points After Touchdown).
This play put the Falcons six points ahead of Poway with a score at 20-14.
In the third quarter, wide receiver Kingston Bankston (11) scored yet another touchdown for the team. With another point scored by Bankston, the Falcons finished off the third quarter strong.
With Poway’s Titans fighting back, the Falcons were still ahead. In the fourth quarter, with a final push, Rocha made a 10-yard rushing touchdown, marking the end of the competitive game with a score of 40-22.
Tight end Camden Nishnick (11) celebrated with the team after the Falcons’ strong push.
“Winning was obviously one of the major highlights, but the pass-run game was really strong,” Nishnick said. “We didn’t punt a single time in the game.”
Nishnick prepared for this game by following his usual routine.
“I just stayed very focused in practice and made sure to keep relaxed,” Nishnick said.
Like many of his teammates, Nishnick used music to lock down on his plays.
“I listened to rap music because it gets me focused and in the mood [to play],” Nishnick said.
Now that the Falcons have entered the second half of the season, Poway is one of several competitive teams they will face.
Offensive lineman Corde Keeler (11) emphasized the importance of refined plays and new drills in the near future.
“We’ve got to come back a lot stronger, tougher opponents for these future games,” Keeler said.“We’ve got to prepare for these next games more focused because these upcoming teams aren’t easy.”
Scott Ashby, varsity head coach noted how the team learned the game plan quickly, played fast and executed plays well on the field.
“Everyone [played] good,” Ashby said. “Every time you have a chance to put a [win] on the board, [it feels] great.”
Leading into the California Interscholastic Federation season, this game influences the team’s pre-CIF standings.
“[Poway High School] was a [high] ranked team, that’s important, and so it definitely will have CIF implications and on seating with playoffs,” Ashby said.
Only 10 more guaranteed games span the Falcons’ season. A critical element near the end of the season is to begin tapering as the Falcons start playing tougher, higher-ranked teams. This ensures that possible injuries are not prolonged.
“It’s a long season of smacking into people, so definitely for upcoming practices and games, we are going to try and limit that now,” Ashby said.
