Oroville Hornet quarterback Preston Iverson returns the football 72 yards for a touchdown on the Republic Tiger’s opening kickoff in an 8-man game last Friday evening on the Tiger’s home field. The game was called in the Hornet’s favor after the fir

OROVILLE – The Oroville Hornets took on Republic in an eight-man game on the Tiger’s homefield last Friday evening bringing home a 56 to 8 victory.

“Oroville came out strong with Preston Iverson running the opening kickoff back 72 yards for a TD, followed by a two point after touchdown pass from Iverson to CJ Mathews,” said Hornet Head Coach Tam Hutchinson.

Four plays later Republic punted and Iverson returned it 62 yards for another touchdown, but it was called back for a block in back 20 yards behind the runner. Iverson threw 22-yard pass to Caleb Whiteaker for a score, with a two point PAT Nicky Perez run.

Then Iverson than had two touchdown runs of 22 yards and 13 yards, as well as both two point point after touchdown passes to Charlie Demartino.

Mathews caught an Iverson pass and ran for a 55-yard TD and Perez again ran in the two points.

In the seconds quarter, Freshman Connely Quick had a 44-yard run, followed by a 38-yard TD run by freshman Tanner Smith. Freshman Eddie Ocampo scored the final touchdown on a 72-yard run. QB Jose Velasco scored both PATs. Velasco also led all tacklers with seven primaries and four assist.

“The game was shortened to just a half based on the 45 point ‘Mercy Rule’ they have in eight man football,” said Coach Hutchinson.

The Hornets next take on Manson in their first home game on Friday, Sept. 17 beginning at 7 p.m. at Oroville High School’s Ben Prince Field.