HORNETS FALL TO THE CHAMPION RUSTLERS

Despite a valiant effort, the No. 10 Hornets could not keep pace with No. 1 in the state Golden West College at Sherbeck Field Saturday afternoon falling to the Rustlers 33-22.

Fullerton wraps up the regular season with a respectable 7-3 overall record and a SCFA Central record of 5-2. Golden West finishes the season with an impressive 10-0 overall record and can now claim the SCFA Central title after going 7-0. The Rustlers also earn the South's top seed for the upcoming Southern California Regional Playoffs.

The last time the Hornets and Rustlers fought it out was in 2022 with FC winning that one 26-6. The first time these two teams play one another was in 1966 and Fullerton walked away with that one 37-6. Even though Fullerton took a tough loss today, the program still owns the all-time series record at 33-12.

After a slow start that saw the Rustlers jump out to a 13-0 lead behind two Tanner Schmidt touchdown receptions from quarterback Kauna'oa Kamaka, the Hornets found their rhythm in the second quarter.

Quarterback Jack Schierholz got the Hornets on the board with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to cap off an 11-play 56-yard drive. On the next possession, Schierholz found the end zone once again on a 5-yard run that gave FC a 14-13 halftime lead.

The Rustlers responded in the third quarter retaking the lead on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Kamaka to Will McKissick. GWC continued to lean on their running game, which totaled 236 rushing yards on the day.

Running back Kendric Thomas broke free for a 36-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to extend the Rustler's lead to 26-14.

Moments later, Schmidt struck again hauling in a 77-yard shot from Kamaka for his third touchdown of the game to make it 33-14.

The Hornets still had some fight left and it paid off. With just over five minutes remaining, Marc Essley II caught a nice TD pass from Chris Lundsberg for a 14-yard strike. Fullerton went for two and got it on a pass from Lundsberg, who found JT Weir in the end zone to close the gap at 33-22.

Many Hornet football alumni were in attendance to honor the legacy of a great coach and man… Coach Al Feola, who was recognized during halftime by Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, FC Hall of Fame Coach Marvin Sampson, FC Hall of Fame Athletic Trainer Bill Chambers, and FC Athletic Director Scott Giles. The Field House Locker Room was officially dedicated in Coach Feola's name commemorating his great teachings and lasting contributions to the Fullerton College P.E. and Athletics Division. Led by his daughter Dana, Coach Feola's family unveiled a plaque with his name and likeness. Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet!

Up Next: The No. 10 Hornets (7-3 overall, 5-2 SCFA Central Conference) will host No. 13 Riverside City College (7-3, 5-2) at Shebeck Field on Monday, November 17th for the Southern California Bowl- a fitting end to the season featuring two powerhouse teams with identical records. Kickoff is at 5:00 PM.

*Photo by Jim McCormack