A tough start to the new season continued on Friday night for the Del Norte Warriors, who dropped to 0-3 for the first time since 2010.
The Warriors traveled to Cottonwood to play West Valley and lost 14-8.
Despite the loss, however, the Warriors moved the ball well for much of the night and out-gained the home team on offense, but they were unable to convert enough of those drives into scores.
Connor Garcia gave the Eagles an early lead on their third offensive play of the game, breaking free for a 55-yard TD.
The score would remain 7-0 until the fourth quarter.
Early in the final period, West Valley would double its lead on a one-yard touchdown run by sophomore quarterback Bryson Cordova.
The Warriors would threaten late in the game, finally getting their first score of the night with just 1:29 remaining, when senior team captain Max Borges found the end zone on a one-yard scoring run.
Borges would add a two-point conversion run to pull Del Norte within six and set up an exciting finish.
The ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Warriors, but West Valley had called a timeout to nullify the play, and the Eagles would not be denied on Del Norte’s second onside kick attempt before running out the clock.
With the win, the Eagles improved to 2-1.
Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for Del Norte, which out-gained the game team in total yards, 307-192.
Sophomore Levi Larch had a breakout night and finished with 103 yard rushing on 12 carries, while also impressing at linebacker.
Senior quarterback Trent Cronk also had a good night running the offense as he continues to grow into the position.
However, early-season mistakes continued to be a problem for the Warriors, who committed too many penalties.
As a team, the Warriors gained 219 yards on 46 carries.
The Warriors will have a bye next week before hosting Arcata in two weeks.
In JV action on Friday night, Del Norte lost 34-0 to West Valley.
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