ASHLAND, Mo. - The California Pintos lost a tough game Oct. 12 to the Southern Boone Eagles, 55-16. With the loss, California stays winless with a record of 0-8, while Southern Boone improves to 6-2 on the year.
California kept the game close for most of the first quarter, until the Eagles scored a touchdown to make it 14-0 with 4:05 left to play in the quarter. The Eagles scored again quickly to pull away, with the score at 21-0 with 2:30 left to play in the first quarter.
Southern Boone ended the first quarter, driving toward the end zone once again and, on the first play of the second quarter, they scored once more, to make it 28-0 with 11:54 to play in the second quarter.
California's offense struggled, as they had three drives in-a-row end with a turnover that led to points for Southern Boone in the third quarter, including a pick-six that made it 42-0 with 9:49 left to play in the first half. Southern Boone then made a 42-yard field goal and a 39-yard field goal to enter halftime with a 48-0 lead.
Despite the struggles, the Pintos' offensive line played better than they did in their last game against Hallsville.
Head coach Mikel Gragg said the team focused on its pass protection in practices before the game.
"We focused a great deal on our pass protection," Gragg said. "We were able to pick up their blitzes and control it a little bit better than we were able to against Hallsville."
Quarterback Alex Currens was ejected from the game, after being called for a helmet-to-helmet hit, after he threw an interception. The Pintos then brought in backup Hunter Oliver. Currens will not be able to play in the Blair Oaks game next week.
"Hunter has done a great job all year running our JV quarterback and he played quarterback a little bit in the Versailles game," Gragg said. "He has been getting reps and experience all year long; now he is thrust into the limelight, because he will be the starter this week."
Southern Boone scored once more, to make it 55-0 with 6:35 to play in the third quarter.
Alex Meisenheimer returned the next kickoff for a touchdown to put the Pintos on the board and make it a 55-8 game.
California scored one more time, thanks to a touchdown run by Tucker Friedmeyer to make it 55-16.
The Pintos play in the final game of the regular season Oct. 19 against undefeated Blair Oaks (8-0).