HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

Homecoming was supposed to provide a week of highlights and celebration.

But for Fillmore, there weren’t many, and there was little to celebrate after a 21-8 loss to Mojave last week.

The Flashes played without leading rusher Ted Chewning, who served a one-game disciplinary suspension handed down by school officials.

Chewning, a senior, got into trouble for making a remark to a school-board official during homecoming float-building activities, Coach Matt Suttle of Fillmore said.

“He said something he shouldn’t have,” Suttle said. “He’ll be back Friday.”

Even without Chewning, the Flashes (3-2) played well against Mojave until mistakes began to take a toll.

Fillmore outgained Mojave, 216 yards to 213, and the Flashes had 16 first downs to seven for the Mustangs.

But Mojave took advantage of big plays and broken plays, including a 45-yard score after a Fillmore defender mistakenly blitzed, and a 35-yard interception return for another touchdown.

“We never play well on homecoming,” Suttle said, recalling a 41-7 loss to L.A. Baptist last year.