Fountain Valley wins thrilling opener, 52-49
HENDERSON, Nev. — Fountain Valley opened the 2011 football season in grand fashion Friday night with a 52-49 victory over host Green Valley.
The Barons were making their fourth trip to the Las Vegas area in the past five years to play a nonleague game, and this might have been the best one.
The never-say-die Green Valley team battled back from trailing 42-14 to almost grab the victory away from Fountain Valley.
“Overall it was a great experience for our kids,” eighth-year Fountain Valley coach John Shipp said. "They love traveling, and it’s one thing that they will always remember.
Barons quarterback Kai Fernandez (9-for-14 passing, 159 yards) threw for two touchdowns and ran for two scores.
“Kai is a great competitor,” Shipp said.
The senior also rushed for a game-high 125 yards.
“We have to be poised and take care of the ball, and that gave them a chance,” said Shipp, referring to an onside kick that Green Valley recovered when it trailed by 10 points with 2:52 remaining.
“We have San Clemente in two weeks and we need to get better, and we can’t play like this if we want to win.”
In 2010, Fountain Valley led Faith Lutheran of Nevada in a nonleague game, but lost when it gave up the winning score in the last 20 seconds.
The Barons struck early in the first quarter Friday. After recovering an opening-drive fumble by Green Valley, the Barons scored on their third play from scrimmage, a 2-yard run by Fernandez.
Fernandez then led the Barons on a 16-play drive on their next possession. Senior running back Mason Clevenger ran it in from the 2-yard line.
Fountain Valley wide receiver Sean Myers, a senior, caught four passes for 50 yards, and Brian Brown caught two passes for 85 yards.
Senior running back Chris Calvillo carried the ball 12 times for 71 yards.
The Barons' defense also provided a highlight in the second quarter. Senior lineman Jordan Platt ran 20 yards with the ball after recovering a fumble, giving Fountain Valley a 28-7 lead.
The Barons totaled 15 first downs, however, they were hampered by 130 yards in penalties.
Barons kicker Derek Huynen, a junior, was perfect on all seven of his extra points. He also booted a 47-yard field goal late in the third quarter to give the Barons a 45-21 lead.
Leading the way on the ground for Green Valley was senior running back Aaron Love with 106 yards, while quarterback Jacob Olim threw for 208 yards and three touchdowns.
Wide receivers Elijah Spann (six receptions, 77 yards) and Barry Cruvant (four, 67 yards) led the way for the Gators.
