Coming into last Friday night's game against California, Eldon averaged 45 points per game with a 1-2 overall record. After a 42-6 win to open its season, the Mustangs allowed 66 points to Hogan Prep and 62 to Blair Oaks in losing efforts during week's two and three, so California head coach Marty Albertson knew it was going to be an offensive game for both teams.
But the question was, which team could hold down the other just enough to pull out the win? That team was California, earning the 34-23 win against Eldon to improve its record to 2-2 and 2-0 in the Tri-County Conference.
The Pintos erased a 10-point halftime deficit, outscoring the Mustangs 28-7 in the second half.
"I told these guys that Eldon has been leading going into the fourth quarter the last two games and have dropped it," Albertson said. "I said, "they're not in good as shape as you are. If you guys want it, you guys can go get.' Obviously they wanted it because they went out and got it."
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Wolken had 195 of his 302 yards in the second half, and he threw four of his five touchdown passes in the last 24 minutes, too. In total, Wolken was 19-of-29 with five touchdowns on 302 yards and he had an interception. He also led the team with 14 rushing attempts and 40 yards.
"I thought he was a little shaky in the first half, but he came out in the second half and threw the ball really well," Albertson said. "I told him, "hey, forget about the first half, settled down, take a deep breath and throw the ball in the second half.' He did a lot better."
However, the Pintos didn't start the game on the right foot with their first drive. Wolken completed a pass for -4 yards on first down, then California backed up 5 yards because of a false start on third-and-seven.
After California punted the ball away, senior Brandan Gump forced an Eldon fumble and junior Gunner Baquet recovered to set up a California drive on its 30-yard line.
The Pintos moved the ball 57 yards on 10 plays before failing to convert a 30-yard field goal attempt.
Eldon's offense would recover, scoring two touchdowns in the first half to take a 16-6 lead into halftime. Eldon's Levi Shinn scored on a 44-yard run to take the 7-0 lead, then Trenton Kidwell broke off a 37-yarder to extend the lead to 16-0. In-between the two touchdown runs, the Mustangs' defense sacked Wolken for a safety.
California was able to get on the board late in the second quarter, to move the momentum in its direction. Wolken found senior Josh Woodruff on the right side, then Woodruff sprinted down the side line for a 37-yard catch and run.
"We told them this game wasn't over, 10 points wasn't anything for us," Albertson said. "We had felt like we should have had a couple more touchdowns in the first half. We dropped the ball, had some stupid turnovers, those sort of things. We took care of the ball in the second half and you saw what happened."
The Pintos opened the second half on fire on both sides of the ball. The defense held Eldon to three-straight three-and-outs and an interception to open the third quarter, and California's offense responded with touchdowns to take the 34-16 lead.
After the first three-and-out, Wolken led the offense on 11 plays, traveling 52-yards, ending with a Wolken to senior Landon Mouse 4-yard touchdown connection. During that drive, Mouse dropped a would-be 38-yard touchdown reception.
"It hung in a little bit, I was kind of upset," Mouse said. "You just have to shake it off, have a short memory and come back the next drive. I told coach I'll make it up and I got a touchdown that same drive."
After the second three-and-out by the Pintos' defense, Wolken found Mouse again for the 48-yard score. Wolken's pass was tipped by two defenders, then fell right into Mouse's hands in-stride.
Mouse caught seven passes for 95 yards to go along with his two touchdowns.
Late in the third quarter, California only needed one play to get back in the end zone. After an offensive pass interference backed the Pintos to a first-and-25 on its own 47-yard line, Wolken found Woodruff for a deep 53-yard touchdown to take a 27-16 advantage.
"The line stayed tough all night and we were in shape in the fourth quarter," Wolken said. "The receivers made a bunch of plays for me, we held on to the ball and overall we came out on top. We played all-around good ball."
The fourth and final touchdown for California came early in the fourth to finish off a streak of four-straight touchdown drives. Wolken found Woodruff again, this time for 32 yards to extend the lead to 34-16.
Woodruff led the team with 125 yards and three touchdowns on four receptions.
"I think California came out and created momentum for themselves in the second half, and we weren't able to respond," Eldon head coach Shannon Jolley said. "Our kids continued to make mistakes and bad decisions. In a game like this, California did a great job of creating momentum on their side and they took advantage of it."
Eldon was able to cut the lead to 34-23 late in the fourth quarter, but it proved to not be enough.
California will now host Hallsville Friday night at 7 p.m. to try for a third-straight win.