Unable to rally their offense, the visiting Falcons (2-2) lost to the Vista High School Panthers (1-2) in their Sept. 21 football game, 2-0.

“Vista is a very talented team and [today’s game] was just two good teams going at it,” TPHS head coach Scott Ashby said. “We knew it was going to be a very defensive game because games against Vista always are, but it came down to us committing too many mistakes.”

The Falcons’ first drive fell flat after two unsuccessful halfback runs and a failed quarterback draw. However, their fortunes turned when TPHS defensive back Jackson Gentes (12), picked off Panther quarterback Davin Lemon-Rodriguez.

“It was their first play on offense, and it was play action, so I stayed deep and made a play on the ball, but couldn’t get a return because the receiver tackled me right away,” Gentes said.

However, the Falcons failed to capitalize, punting the ball after two runs that resulted in minimal yardage and a failed pass.

“We just had a lot of silly mistakes and just stupid-ass things that happened, and that’s what really kills you,” TPHS offensive tackle Jacob Alsadek (12) said.

Alsadek, who had a gruesome pinky injury for which the bone had to be moved back into place by medical personnel, played a large part in the game. He anchored the Falcons’ offensive line, minimizing penetration, giving quarterback Mike Ward (12) plenty of time to throw and allowing no sacks.

Just before halftime, Collin Brown (12) recovered a fumble, but TPHS failed to put anything together on offense while pinned deep in their own territory. The Falcons were forced to punt on their own 1-yard line. Long snapper Jackson Morrison (12) snapped the ball low, and punter Spencer Brewster (12) was forced to throw the ball out of the end zone, avoiding a Panther’s touchdown, but giving up a safety — the only score of the night.

Morrison declined to comment on the play.

“Our defense played great. They didn’t let up any points,” Ward said. “We just had a lot of stupid penalties … Vista just wanted it more, and they were disciplined and didn’t have those penalties like us.”

After forcing a fumble, TPHS managed to get close enough to attempt a field goal to take the lead. To their dismay, the 39-yard attempt fell short, and the Falcons were unable to score for the rest of the game.

“I hit the ground before connecting with the ball, and that is what caused me to shank it,” said Brown, also the Falcons’ kicker. “I was disappointed because I blew my chance to take the lead.”

The Falcons will take on Mt. Carmel High School (3-1) today for this year’s Homecoming matchup.

“We are going to have to eliminate mistakes [to beat Mt. Carmel],” Ashby said.

The game will be at Ed Burke Stadium.

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