With the final 38-7, the FC Eagles suffered their first loss to open the season against Bakersfield Christian on Aug. 25.

Despite their efforts in the first half, the Eagles struggled to hold on to the ball. The injuries of three players: Ryan Brunn, ’08, Nick Erickson, ’07, and Andrew Capoma, ?07 also hampered the team from scoring in the second half.

Erickson’s grade two concussion and Brunn twisted his knee; both are expected to be out for three weeks. Campona’s groin pull will keep him out of action indefinitely. However, the injuries were not the only reason for FC’s second half problems.

?We couldn?t move on offense,? Michael Combs, ’07, said. ?Every time our defense got the ball back our offense just gave it back up.?

The game seemed locked in a stalemate until FC Eagles fumbled five times beginning in the third quarter. Bakersfield recovered three of the fumbles near FC?s goal line and returned them for 21 points.

?The stats were not indicative of the game,? head coach Jon Hall said. ?It was the fumbles and turnovers that lost it for us.?

The FC Eagles rushed for 174 yards, while Bakersfield only managed 134 yards. Running back Chris Erickson, ’07, ran the ball on a handoff for 76 yards. Nate Weis, ’07, led the defense with 7.5 tackles and 9 assists.

Thoughts now turn to the first home game against Strathmore, with goals set on discipline in practice. The team plans to take full advantage of the Sept. 1 bi-week.

?I plan to use the bi-week to get stronger and improve on the mistakes of Friday?s game,” Weis said. ?I hope to see the team overcome the loss and work hard in preparation for our next game.?

FC will host Strathmore at Clark Intermediate on Sept. 9. The JV game starts at 5 P.M. and the varsity kicks off at 7:30 P.M.

For the 2006 football schedule, click here on Sports Schedules and/or go to the menu bar on the right.