Once the California Pintos got warmed up Friday night at Hallsville, there was no turning back. After an empty opening drive, the Pintos scored on every possession through three quarters, as well as their first possession of the fourth quarter, to ultimately defeat the Indians 59-7.
"Overall, our defense played excellent," California Coach Marty Albertson said. "I couldn't ask for more from them. Offensively, we also played well. We came out flat in our first series, but after that we rushed for 484 yards. Our special teams also played really well. Efrain Torres was 8-8."
The Pintos started the night off with a 29-yard touchdown by Anthony Price with 3:38 left in the first quarter. Torres nailed the PAT kick and California led 7-0.
California's next possession ended with a 14-yard TD by quarterback Jaden Barr. After Torres' kick for the extra point, the Pintos led 14-0 with 11:10 left in the second quarter.
California's next drive was capped with a 22-yard field goal by Torres to move the Pintos' lead to 17-0 with 7:09 remaining in the first half.
Hallsville's drive that followed was short-lived due to a fumble recovered by California's Garret Baquet. Three plays later, Price ran in a 48-yard TD. Torres' scored the PAT and the Pintos led 24-0 with 5:02 left in the second quarter.
California's next possession ended with a 14-yard TD pass from Barr to Dylan Albertson. After Torres' PAT kick, California led 31-0 with :52 remaining in the first half.
The Indians' opening kickoff of the third quarter was returned by Walker Borghardt, who ran in an 88-yard touchdown. After Torres' PAT, California led 38-0.
The Pintos' next possession consisted of just two plays; a 13-yard carry by Price, followed by a 37-yard TD by Seth Fairchild. Torres' nailed the extra point and the Pintos led 45-0 with 7:11 left in the third quarter.
California's next drive was capped with a 35-yard touchdown by Borghardt. Torres came through with the extra point and the Pintos led 52-0 with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter.
With some of the younger Pintos now on the field, including quarterback Alex Dalbey, the Pintos opened the fourth quarter with a three-play possession capped with an 81-yard TD by Borghardt. Torres scored the extra point and California led 59-0. This would be the Pintos' final score of the night.
Hallsville finally got on the board with one TD, but the damage was done, 59-7.
The Pintos had 32 carries for 369 yards and Barr completed 5 of 7 passes for 115 yards.
The Indians had 122 rushing yards and Levi Howard was 0 for 8 passing.
Price led California rushing with seven carries for 142 yards. Borghardt followed with two carries for 116 yards and an 88-yard kickoff return. Fairchild had five carries for 54 yards and Jerry Lutz had eight for 31 yards.
Albertson led Pinto tackle with three solos and five assists. Logan Rowles had one solo and six assists. Lutz had one solo and five assists. Luke Burger had two solos and four assists. Nathan Squires had three solos and three assists. Fairchild and Scott Porter each had a blocked punt.
California will play Southern Boone at Ashland at 7 p.m. Friday.
"Southern Boone is big and they grind it out," Albertson said. "Team-wise, I feel like we're quicker, so hopefully we will use that to our advantage."