The smell of hot dogs and hamburgers filled the air in the 100-degree heat. Hundreds of students in maroon and gold filled the student section. As Rocklin’s varsity football team warmed up, the student section performed a flash mob to show their school spirit.

ASB presidents Katrina Nham and Trevor Bohatch reminded the fans that they are brothers, no matter what happens on the field.

Soon after kickoff, Rocklin’s #12 Riley Clark scored the first touchdown with 8:46 on the clock, then finished the play with a two-point conversion making the score 8-0. With 2:58 on the clock, #9 Ian Higgins scored a touchdown. Whitney finished the play with a extra point kick making the score 8-7. Rocklin finished the first quarter with a touchdown and two-point conversion, 15-7.

The Thunder came back in the second quarter with full force scoring at 9:13 with Clark scoring a touchdown, they finished with a kicking point, 22-7. #4 Jared Wilson made a run for it at 9:01 going from the 30 yard line to the end zone. Whitney kicked and gained a point, Rocklin still in the lead with 22-14. Rocklin’s #88 Blake Laurin attempted a touchdown, however lost due to an illegal forward pass. Rocklin finished the quarter with three more touchdowns, ending the quarter 42-14.

At half time, Whitney started the performances with JV and varsity cheer. The dance team’s performance incorporated Rocklin’s dance team for a full-field kickline to close their routine, and as they left the field the Rocklin dancers led right into the home team show to close halftime.

Rocklin scored twice in the third quarter, ending it with a score of 55-14. Even though the team was losing, Whitney fans cheered the entire night.

“The game is amazing because everyone’s cheering. I think we can come back and win, we have heart and determination,” Andrew Valdez said.

The Wildcats’ attempts to score again were unsuccessful; Rocklin scored one last time, ending the game 62-14.

Whitney’s #4 Jared Wilson and Rocklin’s #12 Riley Clark received Best player of the game award. The Quarry Bowl Marble, a traveling trophy between the two schools, was passed to Rocklin to etch in the win.

“[What we need to focus on] is getting healthy; we have a lot of injuries right now, five key starters. So there’s been a lot of shuffling around,” linebacker coach Peter Buck said.

The injured player list has increased every game. #2 Joe Roberts was injured after another player jumped on his foot, but despite his injury he still played.

“Personally I think I played well and the hardest I could play with how hurt I was. I think everyone will come to practice more determined and focused with getting better and getting ready for Bella Vista this week. People are beat up, such as myself. But we will come back stronger. I think were on a great path besides the losses. We have a strong junior number of players, and what they’ve gone through so far this season has made them physically and mentally stronger. I think what we’re bringing to league is something no team is ready for because were coming to hit and hit hard,” Roberts said.

The next home game is Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. against Bella Vista.

by ARIELLA APPLEBY