Point Loma High School’s (PLHS) Homecoming theme this year was “Las Vegas” — and with 16 portable generators casting light on Bennie Edens Field, there was a Vegas-type glow over sold-out Pete Ross Stadium as the Pointers hosted Western League opponent Madison High. Unfortunately for Pointer fans and alums, the Warhawks ran the house, rolling up a 33-7 halftime lead that also became the final score. PLHS drops to 5-3 overall (2-1 in Western League) while the ‘Hawks soared to 7-1 (3-0 in league). “You’ve got to tip your hat to Madison. They’ve got some good athletes and are a very good team,” said head football coach Mike Hastings. The Dogs rolled the dice in a game-opening drive that ended with Matt Magers crossing the end zone where quarterback Sean McKaveney hit him with a perfect touchdown toss. Ruben Diaz’s point-after-touchdown kick gave the hosts a 7-0 lead in the game’s opening minutes. The payoff, however, quickly evaporated. In this case, it took about 20 seconds. On the Warhawks’ first play from scrimmage, running back Keith Navarro darted left for 79 yards and a touchdown, tying the game 7-7. Then, on the Pointers’ first play following the Madison score, Warhawk Jeremy Hutchison placed a “Pick 6” bet, stepping in front of a McKaveney pass to return it 31 yards for another score nine seconds later. The ‘Hawks were suddenly up 14-7. Before the Pointers’ lighthouse horn sounded to signal the end of the first quarter, the Warhawks had scored a third time on a 2-yard run by Akeem Woodson, as Madison took a 20-7 lead. Continuing the onslaught, the visitors further spoiled the Homecoming mood for Pointer fans and alumni, hitting the jackpot for two more scores before halftime. It was Woodson again, this time on an 80-yard run that left the hosts down 27-7. Then Hutchison hauled in a 34-yard scoring pass from Daveon Ellis, sending the Dogs to the locker room on the short end of a 33-7 score. During the second half, the Pointers regrouped to hold the Warhawks scoreless, but the damage had already been done. The visitors were clearly enjoying their winnings as PLHS began moving the ball better and effectively stopped the bleeding on defense. “I believe we were well-prepared, and we fought hard,” said linebacker Ikeem Wright. “We didn’t give up and I think the coaches will be pretty proud of us.” Two red zone fumbles, one in each half, potentially cost the hosts 14 points. The Pointers did manage 217 yards of offense. McKaveney completed six of 17 throws for 100 yards, including one for 41 yards. He was harassed and pursued all evening by an aggressive ‘Hawks defense, which sacked him six times for 41 yards in total losses. Leading rusher Jaivon Griffin averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but was limited to 76 total yards. Anthony Edwards carried nine times for 42 yards, while three other players combined for 37 yards. Dog defenders had their hands full trying to stop the fast, athletic Madison offense. They did, however, put the brakes on an attempted fake punt by the ‘Hawks. Christian Heyward had a hand in nine tackles (six tackles, three assists) and a sack to lead the Pointers. Eddie Frakes and Zach Eischen were in on seven tackles, while Edmond Tucker and Ikeem Wright each had four. Wright and Tevin Heyward each recovered a Madison fumble. “Our kids fought their butts off all night. In the end, nobody quit,” Hastings said. The Pointers close out their league schedule over the next two weeks with a visit to Serra High School for a 6:30 p.m. kickoff Nov. 5 and a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at home Nov. 12 against Hoover. “We control what’s in front of us,” said Hastings. “We’ll move forward because that’s what good teams do, and we’re still a very good team. Our kids are going to be prepared to play Serra next week.”