Vista, CA — VPW Longhorns fall to 0-1 to start the season. The VPW Longhorns season did not get off to the start envisioned after 3 positive scrimmages last weekend. The anticipation was high, maybe too high for the young inexperienced Longhorns as they fell to a noticeably faster and more experienced Falcons team, 18-8 in Vista Saturday afternoon. The game started with the Falcons returning the season opening kick 84 yards for a score. Numerous Longhorns had a shot at the elusive runner but could not stop him from going the distance. The PAT was blocked but the damage was done Falcons 6, Vista 0, 10 seconds into the game. If that was not backbreaking, then the results of Vista opening offensive drive may have been. On the Horns second offensive play of the season, the Falcons intercepted Vista to get immediate possession of the ball. Being the more seasoned team, they took advantage of the miscue to go up on Vista 12-0 as the PAT sailed wide left. The next 2 Vista series resulted in stalled drives, one resulting in the Horns first punt in 5 years. Another miscue by Vista, this time a fumble, gave the Falcons excellent field position in Vista territory. The Falcons wasted little time finding points and were able to go up 18-0 as the PAT was blocked again. All told Vista lost the turnover battle 4-1. But more importantly Vista lost the battle with themselves and the mood noticeable during the break. Vista beat themselves in the first half, can they beat their opponent in the 2nd half? The answer is YES. Vista received the second half kick and again the drive ended, this time with a blocked punt. Vista's defense came on strong and caused the Falcon's first miscue of the game. A much needed fumbled recovered by the Longhorns gave Vista the ball close to midfield. More importantly, it gave the Horns some positive vibes. Vista was able to put together an 8-play scoring drive to cut into the Falcon's lead 18-8 with the made PAT. During the drive Vista converted 2-4th down attempts and made several key blocks and gutsy runs. After the Falcons received the ensuing kick-off, Vista's defense again was able to stop the Falcon's from moving the ball. After an initial 1-st down, the Falcons were short on a 4th down attempt by about 10 inches. Vista ball at their 43-yard line with plenty of time on the clock. After a quick first down, Vista had a second and five inside of the Falcon's 35-yard line. The offense was finding some rhythm, only to be called for an illegal procedure penalty which hurt the team more mentally, than the loss of yardage. Next up for the Longhorns is a game with another former SDYFL team, the Valencia Park Hornets, Saturday September 2nd @ Lincoln High School. The Hornets are coming off of a 39-12 drubbing at the hands of the Rancho Hills Titans Blue and will be looking to get their season back on track. The Horns can find solace in the fact that they played much better in the 2nd half than the first. Was it first game jitters, possibly, the early and numerous turnovers would support that thought. The game is 4 quarters long, as the Horns figure that out, their season and team energy will improve. Your Sports Reporter, Deeh Nice