Foothill gains experience in loss to Desert Hills

Foothill coach Marty Redmond sent his players onto the field Friday hoping they would gain some valuable experience from playing an out-of-state team.

The Falcons achieved that objective, but failed to get a victory as visiting Desert Hills (Utah) controlled the second half to roll to a 27-0 win.

Quarterback Quinn Kiser completed 17 of 28 passes for 222 yards, and the Thunder defense held the Falcons to 116 yards.

“I think we improved a lot from the first game,” Redmond said. “I’m not unhappy with the way our kids played. We’ve got to learn from our mistakes, though.”

The Falcons (1-1) made few mistakes early, and had a chance to take a lead in the first quarter. But Kealii Maruyama’s 44-yard field goal attempt was wide right.

Foothill’s defense stopped a 61-yard Thunder (2-1) drive with an interception in the second quarter, and the game appeared to be headed for a scoreless halftime.

But a late fumble by the Falcons led to Desert Hills’ first score, a 6-yard pass from Kiser to Marco Johnson to make it 7-0 just before halftime.

The Thunder took control in the third quarter, with Kiser completing touchdown passes to Noah Sewell and Kobe Sattiewhite to extend the lead to 20-0.

“I think we just got a little tired in the second half,” said Redmond, whose team allowed Desert Hills to convert all four of its fourth-down conversion attempts. “We missed some tackles and didn’t get many breaks.”

The Falcons floundered offensively and posted negative second-half yardage until midway through the fourth quarter.

“We just couldn’t keep our defense off the field,” Redmond said.

Jordan’s second TD came on a 1-yard run midway through the fourth to make it 27-0.

Redmond said his team’s offensive struggles were understandable.

“Their defense was as good as maybe anyone we’re going to see all year,” he said.

Logan Hokanson helped the Thunder with three receptions for 78 yards, while teammate Brock Parry carried eight times for 57 yards.

Blake Wilson rushed 10 times for 30 yards to lead the Falcons, and teammate Jordan Wilson completed 6 of 18 passes for 57 yards.