Two clutch defensive stands propelled the Firebaugh Eagle football squad to a close, come-from-behind 21-14 preseason victory over the Caruthers Blue Raiders.
The victory was a much-needed boost for the Eagles, who improved their record to 2-1 as they head into a tough, two-week stretch where they will be on the road against a pair of large schools. This Friday, Firebaugh will travel to Fresno to take on a 2-0 Roosevelt High School. They will then end their preseason schedule the following Friday with a trip to Bakersfield to play Del Oro.
Caruthers took the opening kickoff and drove straight down the field on a 10-play drive. Quarterback Bradley Robertson hit tight end Jacob Perez for a score and an early 7-0 lead.
Firebaugh recovered the ensuing onside kick and set up shop at midfield. After two plays, wide receiver Dominic Barajas hauled in a touchdown pass from Leo Perez for the game-tying touchdown.
In the second quarter, Caruthers scored through the air again when Robertson hit Dan Duran. Late in the second quarter, the Blue Raiders picked off a Firebaugh pass to stop a drive at their 20-yard line. It looked like they were going to add to their lead as they again drove down the field, but the Eagles came up with their own interception to stop the drive at the Firebaugh eight-yard line.
Firebaugh tied the score in the third quarter on a long drive that ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Emiliano Bautista.
The next key Firebaugh defensive stand came after Caruthers drove all the way into the Eagle red zone. Firebaugh stopped the Raiders on a pivotal fourth-down play to take possession. The Eagles drove the length of the field behind their running attack, which culminated when senior Ryan Luna carried the ball in for a one-yard touchdown to give his team a 21-14 lead. Another great stop came in the next drive by Caruthers, as defensive back Brayan Vilchis intercepted a pass at the Firebaugh 32-yard line to end the threat.
