Eagles win on opening day, defeat Chieftains

Kicking off the 2019-20 football season, the Fresno Christian Eagles take on, and defeat the Sierra High Chieftains, 24-0, Aug. 23.

Starting the year without nine of last year’s starting seniors, the team looks to rebuild much of the program with a smaller, younger team and starting lineup. On top of that, the team gets the opportunity to start with a challenge, playing one of only three scheduled 11-man games.

Regardless of the odds, returning players look for opportunities to step up as leaders, pushing for success. Among those is senior captain Zeke Fuller, who returns for his second year on the team, playing on the defensive line. Fuller reflects on his thoughts prior to the game.

“Going into the game, I thought we were going to win, but at the same time there was a little bit of doubt because I knew Sierra was a whole new team as well,” Fuller said. “I was a little nervous with some of our new players, because they were still raw and have never proved themselves in a game situation. I still expected some big plays from some of our rookies, and I obviously knew we were all going to mess up at times but I also knew we could flip the switch when we needed to.”

With a touchdown scored by Blake Burdan, ’20, off of the first kickoff of the game, the Eagles find immediate momentum and energy, both offensively and defensively. Despite many close scoring opportunities from each team, the first half concludes, 6-0.

With a wrist injury taking FC starting quarterback, Nathan Edwards, ’21, out of the game, the team faces the challenge of playing down a leader. However, back up quarterback Mason Blowers, ’20, takes responsibility, leading the Eagles to three touchdowns in the second half. At the final blow of the whistle, the Eagles take the victory, 24-0.

The preseason for FC will continue through the end of September, with the next home game against Stone Ridge Christian, Friday, Sept. 27. The Eagles next travel to Rosamond High School to take on the Roadrunners, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. To view the Eagles’ full schedule, visit the athletic calendar. To learn more about the team, visit their MaxPreps Page.

The video below shows highlights of the night:

For another video, watch Summer Highlights 2019

The author can be reached via email: Blake Deffenbacher, Instagram and Twitter.