The FC Eagles sustained a loss to the Strathmore Spartans, 28-7, in their first home game at Clark Intermediate on Sept. 8.

Although the Spartans returned a kick-off and two punts for 21 points, the rest of the game showed promise for the Eagles. As before in the game against Bakersfield Christian last week, the Eagles earned more yards rushing than the Spartans with 188 yards for the verses 182 rushing yards for the Spartans.

?The score was 7-7,? Eric Beneke, ?07, said, ?and only the special teams mistakes hurt us. Other than that, we played well.?

Another factor hampered the Eagles? performance?injuries. Andrew Campoma, ?07, and Ryan Brunn, ?08, remained on the sidelines due to injuries from the previous game at Bakersfield. Zacary Bell, ?07, dislocated his finger in practice and Micheal Combs, ?07, injured his ankle in the second quarter.

The list of injuries remains a difficulty, but many players believe mistakes on special teams lost the game. Players also believe in their ability to beat the Spartans if they played them again.

?Our defense held them the entire game except for one touchdown,? Nate Weis, ?07, said. ?Special teams gave up too many touchdowns.?

?Our special teams needs to step it up,? JD Perry, ?07, said. ?Our offense and defense was better than Strathmore?s.?

Perry scored FC’s only TD on a 6-yard run and finished with 100 yards rushing to lead the Eagles.

Thoughts now turn to the next game where the Eagles face the Mission Prep Royals for their second away game of the season on Sept. 15. The team also plans to take rooter buses along with any FCS students who want to go.

In previous years, over 200 students traveled with the team to the coast and support their team. This year tickets for the bus and admission to the game cost a total of $30. The buses depart campus at 10 A.M. on Friday and return at 1 A.M. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

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