Santa Rosa falls short of playoffs

SANTA ROSA — It was Cowboys versus Indians Friday night at Warrior Stadium, with a potential playoff spot at stake for Santa Rosa if they won by at least ten points. But chronic turnovers, particularly in the second half, spoiled any hopes for such a victory, and the Warriors lost 19-7 to the San Diego Fighting Vaqueros.

"We gave it our best effort," Warriors head coach Joshua Gonzalez said. "I love these kids to death.  It just wasn't meant to be tonight. But I'm proud of these kids for what they did this year. We've had some key injuries (this season), but I’m not making excuses. San Diego did a great job."

Indeed, the Vaqueros’ defense dominated the second half, limiting the Warriors to 49 total yards and collecting four turnovers, three of them interceptions on consecutive fourth-quarter drives.

The Vaquero offense, held in check by Santa Rosa (4-6, 2-3) during the first half, perked up in the second. Eating up time and yards on numerous drives, the offense scored on a 6-yard run by Mario Madrigal at the end of the third quarter and an 11-yard pass from quarterback Albert Lopez to tight end Ned Luna midway through the fourth to put the game out of reach.

In the first half, the two teams were virtual mirror images of one another, with each team scoring on their first possession and later missing a field goal after long drives.

Santa Rosa scored first on a 30-yard run by Josh Watrous three minutes into the contest. San Diego (8-2, 4-1) answered back quickly, with Joe Gallegos running it in from 28 yards out, notching it at 7-all.

But, in the second quarter, Santa Rosa began turning the ball over. Orlando Gonzalez picked off Warriors quarterback Miguel Ledesma at the San Diego 30-yard line, and, on their next possession, Tristian Salinas fumbled at the 28-yard line after making a catch in which it was questionable whether he had possession or not.

Even with the first half turnovers, the Warriors defense kept them in the game, but they weren't able to sustain such play in the second. Too many turnovers created too many opportunities and momentum swings in San Diego's favor.