Another year, another heart braking loss to Del Oro. For the fourteenth straight year in a row, we have been defeated by the Del Oro Golden Eagles in the biggest football game of the year. With the 14-0 loss, the Thunder fell to 2-1 in SFL league play and 7-1 on the year.

Whether it was lack of focus or nervousness, the Golden Eagles just plainly out played the Thunder in all stages of the game. It seemed like whenever the Thunder started gaining momentum on offense, the Eagles would swoop in for a game changing interception or a drive killing sack. Whenever Rocklin was about to make a crucial defensive stop, DO would come through in the clutch and convert on a first down.

The first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie. The Del Oro squad came out extremely physical on both offense and defense. The Eagles pounded the ball on the ground with a very time consuming drive, which carried over into second quarter. On the first play of the second quarter they were able to punch in a two yard run to take the lead. Rocklin was unable to make any of the big plays that have helped them succeed in previous match ups.

With a score of 7-0 at half time, the game could have still gone any way, but unfortunately it went the way of the Golden Eagles. They came out in the third quarter with a huge kickoff return into Rocklin territory and never really let up after that. They were able to score on another short run of three yards on another long drive. The game ended in 14-0 shutout to the No. 1 team in the SFL.

Rocklin was shutout for the first time this year after gaining 285 total yards on offense. They were just unable to capitalize on all of their opportunities. Also, quarterback Kevin O’Brien was sacked a total of four times on the night during some crucial moments.

On account of Del Oro’s physical play and long time consuming drives, the Rocklin fans were never able to get into the game either. It seemed as if the total excitement for the game had been sucked out of the stadium.

Still, Rocklin fans are hoping for another shot at Del Oro. The next time the two schools meet up may just be in the playoffs. Even if we don’t see them there, there is always next year.