CALIFORNIA, Mo. - A week after giving away some short fields to the opposition, California's offense was granted a short field three times in the first quarter Friday night against Mexico.
After allowing a touchdown on the opening possession, California's defense forced and recovered three Mexico fumbles, but it translated into just three points for the Pintos.
The Bulldogs took advantage of their first quarter reprieve and bounced back with four touchdowns in the second frame en route to a 39-10 win.
"I think it was just poor execution in critical times," California coach Marty Albertson said. "And again, we're a young team and against a good, physical team, you just can't do that."
For the second straight week, California found itself at a size disadvantage in the trenches. The mismatch showed in Mexico's ground game, as the Bulldogs tallied more than 240 yards through the backfield triple threat of Avion Williams, Cameron Holman and Michael White.
Holman and Williams each had a pair of touchdown runs and finished with 85 and 45 rushing yards, respectively. White led Mexico with 90 yards and added a touchdown catch from quarterback Deion Wayman.
California's own rushing attack was stymied for much of the game. Quarterback Jacob Wolken led the Pintos with 24 rushing yards. Next on the team was Dakota Henry, who had 12 yards on five carries.
California found the end zone midway through the fourth when junior Cory Friedmeyer recovered a fumble and dashed 43 yards for the score.
Friedmeyer, along with Henry, provided the Pintos with a spark on both sides of the ball in the second half. California will look to build off that as it prepares for Tri-County Conference play starting next week in Warsaw.
"We're just glad the first two games are over," Albertson said. "Now we're into conference and hopefully we'll have a bright outlook come next week."
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