The Lancers football team lost their home-opener on Saturday to Grossmont College, 51-0, falling to 0-2 for the season. The loss was their worst since the 2012 season when they lost 65-14 to Cerritos College and was the first time they were shut out in 10 years.
Lancers sophomore linebacker Jaylyn Williams attempts to tackle Grossmont College’s running back Jamarcus Federick at Robinson Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 12. The Lancers lost the home opener to Grossmont, 51-0 .
The game started with promise and anticipation after the Lancers’ near comeback in their last game against El Camino. However, just like last week, they had many opportunities they were not able to capitalize on.
Whenever they were able to build momentum, it seemed a setback was inevitable. After Pasadena defensive back Robert Morgan intercepted a pass in the first quarter, his second in two games, Grossmont responded with a pick of their own on the very next play.
The interception was the first of three for quarterback Jett Even, who finished the game 10 for 27 for 129 yards passing while being sacked six times for a loss of 39 yards.
“Honestly, we just beat ourselves,” Even said. “We’ve got to cut out the mental errors.”
Grossmont was able to score their first points when Pasadena stopped a 12 play, 38-yard drive to force a punt only to have their punt returner DaiCorri Briscoe forced into their own end zone for a safety.
From there the game opened up for Grossmont and the mental errors continued for Pasadena. The Lancers team gained some momentum after a seven play, 31-yard drive set up a field goal attempt in the second quarter. However, the ball was snapped low and the play ended in a 6-yard loss for a turnover on downs.
The half ended 23-0 after Even was sacked on the final play and frustration was high heading into the locker room. Despite the setbacks, Even said their focus has been on becoming a family and supporting each other.
“We can get on each other, but it has to be for the right reasons,” he said. “We have to stop talking and start doing.”
When the Lancers kicked off the second half, the scoring onslaught continued. Grossmont only needed one play to rush 75 yards down the field and score in just 11 seconds.
Midway through the third quarter, Pasadena mounted an 11-play, 49-yard drive that brought them within six yards of scoring their first points. However, after a penalty and a fumble, an interception in the end zone finally stopped their drive. On the next play, Nehemiah Brown of Grossmont rushed 80 yards to score.
Grossmont (2-0) has outscored their opponents 103-10 in their first two games.
Pasadena will travel to LA Harbor College this Saturday looking to build on any positives they can. The kick return team has continued their great play from last week. Trensten Spragling and Joseph Thomas each returned kicks three times for 80 and 57 yards, respectively. Spragling also rushed for a team high 45 yards on 11 eleven carries. Wide receiver Adrian Fonoimoana-Hall led the team in receiving with 60 yards on four receptions.
On the defensive side, linebacker Jaylyn Williams racked up nine tackles after scoring a crucial touchdown in last week’s comeback effort. Defensive lineman Erasmo Isiordia contributed five tackles, one fumble recovery and one sack for the Lancers.
With a new team and a new coach, some difficulties are to be expected, and players are eager to take what lessons they can from these two losses and move on.
“It could have been better,” Briscoe said. “We just have to buy-in to what the coaches are telling us. We have some great coaches out there”
“We have to start all over,” lineman Stephen Ramirez added. “It’s a new season now and we have to keep fighting.”
- Board of Trustees Meeting: June 7, 2017 - June 8, 2017
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- Board of Trustees Meeting: March 1, 2017 - April 5, 2017
