Troy Is Able to Hold Off Fullerton

Troy dominated Fullerton in the first half, before Fullerton battled back in the second, but fell short in a 38-24 loss Friday night at Fullerton Stadium.

Troy (4-4, 2-1) gained 279 first-half yards on the ground to Fullerton’s 43 and took a 24-7 lead into the half. Troy running back Adrian Vargas rushed for 231 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Warrior offense.

However, Fullerton (3-4-1, 0-2-1) pulled to within 30-24 with 5:24 left in the game. The Indians recovered an onside kick and drove 44 yards in eight plays, capped by a Robert Fulton’s three-yard touchdown run.

“I think we kind of fell asleep a little bit and they played hard,” Troy Coach John Turek said.

Fulton stepped in for Fullerton starting quarterback Justin Bruce after Bruce was injured, and led the Indians to three second-half scoring drives. He also scored from one yard on the drive preceding the onside kick. A third scoring opportunity stalled because of two consecutive penalties and the Indians settled for a 36-yard field goal.

Troy running back Todd Frazier rushed for 89 yards in 19 carries and scored three touchdowns to help the Warriors take their first-half lead.

The Indians opened scoring when Jonathan Pate intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 first-quarter lead.