After an encouraging win against Gilroy on Sept. 9, the Falcons took a step back on Sept. 16, losing 28-14 to Hollister at home.

Hollister scored 28 unanswered points before Saratoga finally responded with 14 points of their own late in the fourth quarter.

Much like in the team’s 10-0 loss to Burlingame to start the season, the Falcons’ offense struggled. Senior running back Troy Doles and wide receiver Dominic Guercio both found the end zone in the fourth: Doles on a 41-yard pass from senior quarterback Mitchell Casas and Guercio on a 13-yard pass from junior quarterback Kyle Dozier.

Doles led the running game with 75 rushing yards.

Casas was not impressed with his team’s performance, but noted that the defense showed some bright spots.

Regarding the other side of the ball, Casas said, “Offensively, I don’t think we did anything really well besides a few plays based on a few players’ athleticism.”

The Falcons look to get back on the winning track for their next game, but need to make some improvements. The team is still unsure of what kind of offense it should run.

“We’re trying to find an identity as an offense,” Casas said. “That’s why were putting in some new plays like the option to hopefully help us.”

Senior middle linebacker Brandon Oliveri O’Connor injured his shoulder during the Hollister game, but according to players he will return when the Falcons take on Los Altos on Friday, Sept. 30, as part of Homecoming week.