I love Coach Adams, but his decision to punt the ball on 4th and 7 from the Folsom 43 (after the penalty) was a big swing in this first half.
I just don’t see the logic in opting to play the field position game (even with a good punt) versus playing aggressively and trying to keep the ball out of Folsom’s hands on what would have essentially amounted to a turnover if the Thunder convert the first down. Even if they don’t covert, I don’t see how 20-30 yards changes much, considering they haven’t stopped Folsom once yet.
If Rocklin converts and scores there, it might be 17-14 right now with RHS receiving the 2nd half kick off. But they opted to be conservative and they’re in the same position they’d have been in had they not converted the 4th and 7.
Play to win versus playing not to lose.
Defensively, the Thunder have had numerous chances to swing momentum with 4th down stops but just haven’t been able to make a play. Folsom has even helped them out a bit with a string of penalties but it hasn’t mattered.
Ryder Lyons is doing what he usually does, despite some good early pass defense from Rocklin. The kid is just slippery as hell and his ability to make plays on the run is unparalleled at the HS level, at least in NorCal.
If RHS has any chance to rebound and make this a game, they have to convert their opening 2nd half possession. And, again, manage a couple 4th down stops on defense.
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