ROCKLIN — Vintage High School’s slow start to the 2008 football season is not about the defense.

The Crushers, who proudly proclaim themselves as the “Wolf Pack,” are doing an exceptional job on run defense, reacting at a rapid pace and swarming the ball carrier.

The problems are with the offense, in particular not being able to put together drives or get any productivity or consistency.

Vintage suffered its second straight loss, falling 12-7 to Rocklin on a rainy fall-like night in Placer County.

The Crushers (1-3), with just one more nonleague game to go before the start of Monticello Empire League play, produced just 11 rushing yards and 55 passing yards in the first half.

Vintage’s only points came with 32 seconds to play, when Jacob Roscoe, the team’s top runner, scored from a yard out to cap a scoring drive of 80 yards in 11 plays.

Trevor McLaughlin’s 30-yard run and a 20-yard pick-up by Roscoe kept the march alive for Vintage.

“We still have some work to do,” said offensive coordinator Jim Costan. “We’re not consistent right now, where we need to be, as far as being able to sustain drives and continually move the football. We still are a work in progress.

“But we felt, again, in the second half we were able to move the football and do some good things. Reed Huddleston made some great catches. We’ve got to keep moving forward and get ready for our league opener.”

Vintage had four turnovers — two interceptions and two fumbles.

The Crushers had no points to show for a drive covering 79 yards in 14 plays, as Johnny Avalos had his 26-yard field-goal attempt blocked. Vintage got key plays in the drive from several payers. Sean Ryan completed passes to Brad Lloyd, Huddleston and Alex Peterson. Ryan also ran for a 21-yard gain.

But the Vintage offense couldn’t get the ball into the end zone on the march from the 1-yard line.

“We just weren’t in sync all night,” said coach Billy Smith. “We were missing blocks. Again, you go on the road and you deal with a lot of things. Our offense didn’t move the ball.

“Our defense played outstanding. I’m disappointed that when you get a defense to play this hard as they did against this team and our offense doesn’t see it and get in sync and help out the defense. I’m disappointed in that and I’m disappointed with our character at times.”

Vintage held Rocklin (2-2) — which broke a two-game losing steak — to two rushing touchdowns. Jackson Cummings, who came into the game averaging 154.7 yards per game and 8.14 yards per carry, scored for the Thunder on a 2-yard run with 3:18 showing in the second quarter, capping a drive of 43 yards in four plays that was set up by Kyle Garvella’s interception of Ryan.

Rocklin — which plays in very tough Sierra Football League, a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division II league — scored its second touchdown with 6:59 left in the third quarter on Daniel Lassard’s 2-yard run. It was a scoring drive of 75 yards in five plays.

Vintage held Cummings to 36 yards on eight carries, but James Laughrea passed for 206 yards.

Rocklin had three turnovers, all on fumbles, and forced four punts.

“I thought we played with great emotion and great effort, and that’s all we can ask for from these kids,” said Vintage defensive coordinator Dylan Leach. “I thought the run defense came to play.”

Ryan threw for 165 yards, completing passes to seven different players.

Rocklin is ranked 15th by The Sacramento Bee in this week’s high school football poll.