Schools
Banning Football Coach, Players Remain Optimistic Despite Losses
Broncos face tough Twentynine Palms team at home Friday night.
Banning High Football Coach Scott McRitchie says team morale remains intact after two tough losses.
Banning opened the season two weeks ago with a 47-25 loss to Bloomington and last week lost 30-6 at Thermal Desert Mirage.
But the Broncos were attentive during Saturday’s post-game meeting and they followed that up with a spirited practice on Monday.
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Friday Banning (0-2) hosts a rugged team from Twentynine Palms (2-0).
“I think most of the guys, even the ones who are so inexperienced, feel they are getting better and are encouraged,” McRitchie said. “Some guys are having more fun. Sure, there are guys who are disappointed with the 0-2 start. Still, I was encouraged by our practice on Monday.”
Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Banning handled Desert Mirage last season, making last week’s loss to the Rams hard to accept.
“Anytime you lose, especially when you go into a game thinking you should be competitive but lose by a wide margin, you will be disappointed,” McRitchie said. “They should be disappointed. I was
disappointed.”
It won’t be easy on Friday. The visiting Wildcats have wins over Palm Desert Xavier Prep (32-6) and San Bernardino Aquinas (27-26). The Wildcats are anchored by two-way starter Chris Fui Fui, a 6-foot-2, 235 running back/linebacker.
Fui Fui has averaged 10.3 yards a carry and rushed for 351 yards in wins over Palm Desert Xavier Prep and San Bernardino Aquinas. He
has averaged 10 tackles a game.
Banning will be aiming at its second win over Twentynine Palms in seven years.
“They’re good,” McRitchie said. “They are physical and more athletic than last year. Their main guy is a Division 1 prospect.”
Neighboring Beaumont has the week off. The Cougars dropped to 1-2 after last week’s 34-9 defeat to Heritage. Beaumont returns to the field on Friday, Sept. 30, for a home game against Yucaipa.
Friday Night Football
Matchup: Twentynine Palms (2-0) at Banning (0-2)
Where: Banning High Sschool, 100 W. Westward Ave., Banning.
When: Friday, Sept. 23
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12, $free for students with ASB card.
