The Bishop Badgers ended up on the short end of the stick, losing 8-7 against the San Diego Vaqueros this past Friday in Bishop.

If you enjoy a good defensive game, this was the game for you as both teams held the opposition in check.

“The score is not indicative of the way we played tonight, first game we played with every ounce on energy we had,” Bishop Badger Head Coach Larry Vincent said after the game.

The Badgers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, thus allowing the Vaqueros to receive the opening kick off to start the contest.

The highlight of the game for the Badgers occurred in their first offensive drive of the game.

The Bishop offense started their only scoring drive at the Vaquero’s 42 yard line using six plays, eventually scoring on a 26 yard pass completion from senior quarterback Jacob Ortegon to senior receiver Taylor Lee for the touchdown.

Senior kicker Tommy Cavazos added the extra point to give the Badgers the early 7-0 lead with 5:37 remaining in the first quarter.

San Diego struck back in the second quarter, with a 10 play, 90 yard drive ending with a four yard pass completion for a score.

The Vaqueros converted the two point attempt, taking the 8-7 lead with 6:14 left in the first half.

The third quarter was all defense, as both teams stopped any offensive threat by the opposition.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Badger offense was able to reach the red zone, but came out empty handed on a missed field goal attempt from about 30 yards.

The Bishop defense continued to execute, forcing yet another punt by the Vaqueros with 7:41 remaining on the clock.

The Badgers once again moved the ball into San Diego territory, reaching the Vaquero 20 yard line.

With 4:11 on the clock, the Badgers faced a 4th and 15 after a five yard penalty against Bishop.

After a timeout to talk things over, the Badgers elected to go for the first down.

Unfortunately, the Badgers fell short, thus handing the ball over on downs at the San Diego 25.

The Vaquero’s quarterback took a knee to run out the clock and earn the 8-7 victory of the Badgers.

“I am extremely proud of the way we played, we continued to play all four quarter and just fell short,” Vincent said.

The Badgers will host the Santa Rosa Warriors at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30 at Ed Gorny Stadium in Bishop.