HALLSVILLE - For the third time this season, the California Pintos found themselves on the wrong end of a shut out, following a 49-0 loss Oct. 5 at the hands of the Hallsville Indians.
The Pintos (0-7) trailed the Indians (2-5) 28-0, after the first quarter. Hallsville only piled on in the second quarter, as they entered halftime leading 49-0. California's defense struggled to stop the Indians' offense, but on Hallsville's two drives in the second half, California was able to stop them both times.
The Pintos' offense - which had scored a season-high 35 points during their game Sept. 28 against Eldon - struggled to protect quarterback Alex Currens as Hallsville was able to put pressure on Currens all night long.
It did not help that the Pintos lost three offensive linemen to injury during the game. Currens threw two interceptions in the second quarter. The Indians were able to convert those turnovers into touchdowns as they built their 49-0 lead.
In the second half, the Pintos were able to move the ball a bit more than in the first half, but were still unable to score.
Head Coach Mikel Gragg said the team made some adjustments during halftime.
"We made some adjustments at halftime, trying to get the ball to the perimeter, take some heat off of our offensive line," Gragg said. "Crazy thing about it is we lost three starting offensive linemen tonight and we were playing with freshmen and sophomores on the offensive line to finish the game and they were moving the football and having some success."
Gragg said it is encouraging how the younger players did on the offensive line.
"That is definitely a positive thing we can take away from the game," Gragg said.
The Pintos' next game is Oct. 12 at the Southern Boone Eagles (5-2).