Falcons fall to Santa Fe Christian

Torrey Pines lost at home 31-0 to Santa Fe Christian, picked by The San Diego Union- Tribune to win the Coastal League. The SFC pass rush put tremendous pressure on sophomore quarterback Miles Hastings all night and he was intercepted five times, including the Falcons’ first three possessions. On their next series Torrey Pines gave up a fumble that was returned for SFC’s first touchdown. Without an air game the Falcons’ ground game also stalled. In the second half an interception was run back for a touchdown as was a fumbled kickoff return, to put SFC up 24-0.

If there was good news for Torrey Pines it was their defense which stopped SFC deep in Falcon territory five times while giving up only one field goal. Key tackles were made by senior DB Johnny Hastings, senior DL Kevin Misak, sophomore LB Mac Bingham, and junior LB Louis Bickett. Indeed, SFC’s only offensive touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter when senior WR Matthew Mcroskey got behind the Falcon secondary and caught a 56-yard touchdown pass.

On offense standout Falcon plays included a 33-yard pass to Bingham, a 31-yard run by senior RB Luke Duerr, and the punting of senior kicker Joey Matsen. Duerr also had a 50-yard touchdown pass reception that was called back on a holding penalty. That play exemplified the might have beens, if only Hastings had or needed a couple seconds less in the pocket. Torrey Pines’ next game is Friday, Sept. 9 at home against Fallbrook.