Yuba City Vice Mayor Dave Shaw shaking hands with Yuba City's #3 JD Henry who is holding the Mayor's Cup Trophy. Photo by Yuba Sutter High School Sports

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The River Valley Falcons fought hard but fell against the Yuba City Honkers 27-6 in the annual Mayor’s Cup on Friday, Oct. 11.

The Falcons headed to Yuba City High School and although the Falcons lost, they surprised everyone with just how much of a battle they put up in the game that is usually a blowout in favor of the Honkers.

Honker’s JD Henry returning a fumble. Photo by Yuba Sutter High School Sports

The game started off with both teams striking on the ground with rushing touchdowns making the score 7-6 early in the first quarter. With how quick each team scored, it would make one think that this game would be a game dominated by the offenses but then each defense took over and each team spent the entire rest of the first half trading punts and turnovers.

The Honkers would receive the ball at the start of the third quarter and put an end to the great Falcon defense as they scored a rushing touchdown on a quick two-minute long drive. The Honkers defense would hold strong and force a turnover on downs and once getting the ball back, the Honkers would score another rushing touchdown making the score 20-6 at the end of the third quarter.

River Valley’s Trace Scott running around the right side for River Valley's only score. Photo by Yuba Sutter High School Sports

The Falcons would have repeated drives of getting a first down, but not moving anymore after and being forced to punt to the Honkers. The Honkers would score their last touchdown and effectively end the game early in the fourth quarter after a touchdown throw from senior quarterback Jordan Martinez. The rest of the game, both teams would once again trade punts and turnover on downs.

While moral victories do not exist in sports, this almost feels like one for the Falcons who are 1-6 on the season now but put up a strong fight against the 5-2 Honkers. The Falcons will be away from home against the Burbank Titans, while the Yuba City Honkers will be at home against the Del Campo Cougars. Both teams will play this upcoming Friday, Oct. 18 after press time.

Yuba City's quarterback Ulysses Vaca scrambling to the sidelines against River Valley. Photo by Yuba Sutter High School Sports