FREMONT – The Little Giants can’t say they didn’t have their chances.
Fremont Ross had eight trips deep inside St. Francis’ territory Friday night. But of those eight opportunities to score, did so only once.
With a trip to the playoff at stake, Ross’ offense was unable to move the ball consistently and saw its season end in bitterly disappointing fashion, in a 21-7 upset loss to St. Francis.
First half highlights
Almost nothing went right for Fremont Ross but when something did go the Little Giants’ way, it didn’t last for long.
Ross got a blocked punt from its special team and recovered a pair of fumbles deep in Knights’ territory but all three occasions results in zero points.
The offense struggled to move the ball with any consistency. The Little Giants totaled -1 rushing yard in the first two quarters and just yards of total offense. Quarterback Hayden Lehmann completed 6-of-17 passes for 59 yards. The Little Giants managed just three first downs.
St. Francis, however, rode workhorse running back Malachi Wyse in the first half. He carried the ball 27 times on the Knights’ 31 plays from scrimmage. Wyse scored the half’s only touchdowns on carries of 2 and 61 yards but left the game late in the second quarter with injury.
Second half highlights
Ross took its first possession and did something it never did in the first half – drive the field and put the ball in the end zone.
Ross moved 57 yards in eight plays, capped by a 4-yard run by Lehmann to trim the deficit to 14-7 with 8:07 to go in the third quarter.
Ross’ momentum did not last long. Boosted by a 65-yard pass play, its first pass of the game, St. Francis answered right back, taking back its 14-point lead on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Ethan Hertzfeld.
Ross drove to St. Francis’ 2-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but, once again failed to convert, turning the ball over on downs. Ross never again threatened to score.
Scoring summary
First quarter
SF – Malachi Wyse 2 run (Jake Henry kick), 8:49
Second quarter
SF – Malachi 61 run (Henry kick), 9:36
Third quarter
FR – Hayden Lehmann 4 run (Mikey Contreras kick), 8:07
SF – Ethan Hertzfeld 1 run (Henry kick), 2:18
Fourth quarter
No scoring