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For Timpview, it was a game where they were punched in the mouth. By the time they were able to regain their balance and adjust, the game was well out of hand.
Bakersfield took the opening kickoff and proceeded to drive the ball 83 yards down the field. They were able to convert four third-down conversions during the drive and chew up five minutes and 30 seconds of clock.
On the subsequent possession, Timpview quarterback Jake Lloyd threw an interception deep in Timpview territory. The Drillers were then able to score another touchdown and go up 14-0 and never look back.
"We weren't ready for some things that they showed us coming out," said head coach Louis Wong. "They were flat out just better than us and they executed very well. By the time we adjusted to what they were doing, it was too late."
Timpview looked to make a game, answering the second touchdown with one of their own. Quarterback Jake Lloyd was able to hit Justin Fulton for a 69-yard touchdown pass.
"We came back a bit, but we just couldn't keep consistent," said Timpview wide receiver Ricky Shumway. "I think if we stayed more consistent and didn't make the mistakes we made, that we could have done better."
Bakersfield then went on to score 17 straight points, taking a 31-7 lead into the lockerroom at the half.
The second half saw a better-adjusted Timpview team. After seeing the Drillers march up and down the field at will in the first half, they held them to just one score in the second.
"It was just a case of us settling in," said Wong. "We were able to see what they were doing and adjust. We learned better what the quarterback was doing, but by then, it was a bit too late."
Timpview ended the game on a high note with a late touchdown. Running back Gregson Aspinall was able to punch it in from 2-yards out after a 20-yard scramble by Lloyd.
Following their final score, they were able to recover and onsides kick with 4:04 left, but came up just short of the endzone.
Overall, Wong took his players down to southern California to accomplish three goals. The first goal was to win the game and although they didn't accomplish that, the trip was well worth their time.
"We were able to see a lot of kids play that we were still evaluating and that will help us going into region play," he said. "I think we definitely saw what we needed to there and accomplished that goal."
The team was also able to attend Disneyland and spend a day on the beach. Wong considered their beach experience to be the highlight of the trip.
"We were the kings on the beach. Everyone knew who we were and it was a blast," he said. "We were also able to gain a lot of experience and unity that will pay off for us in the long run.The experiences we had. the kids will remember those for the rest of their lives."
Like their coach, the players feel that the trip down to Mission Viejo was well worth their time.
"We all had a great time," said Shumway. "Not winning was a disappointment, but we learned things and we grew closer together as a team."
Email: bgurney@desnews.com Twitter: @BrandonCGurney
