News Summary
The Pasadena City College football team returned to the SCFA National Division with high hopes but suffered a narrow defeat against Saddleback College, ending the game 28-21. Despite a strong comeback effort led by quarterback Max Grizzell, the Lance missed key scoring opportunities that could have changed the outcome. The team’s performance highlighted both their potential and the challenges they face moving forward in the season.
Pasadena, California – The Pasadena City College (PCC) football team made its long-awaited return to the SCFA National Division on September 2, 2023, but faced a tough loss in their season opener against Saddleback College. The Lancers fell short with a score of 28-21, despite a determined comeback effort.
Competing in the National Division for the first time since 2015, PCC had high hopes riding on their undefeated season last year where they achieved a spectacular 11-0 record and clinched the American Division championship. However, the challenge against Saddleback proved to be formidable. The game unfolded at Robinson Stadium, which attracted a large fanbase eager to support the home team.
Trailing 21-6 at halftime, PCC mounted a spirited comeback effort, largely fueled by the performance of quarterback Max Grizzell. Grizzell showcased his skill by throwing two touchdown passes, which significantly narrowed the gap. His first touchdown was a 1-yard strike to tight end Javery Mayberry, reducing the deficit to 21-13. Grizzell’s dynamic play continued as he had a notable 25-yard rush, marking the longest run for the Lancers on the night.
Defensively, PCC’s Zay Blades made a key play with a spectacular interception in the end zone, helping to prevent further scoring opportunities for Saddleback. Grizzell subsequently connected with Ethan Hubbell for an impressive 80-yard touchdown reception that tied the game at 21-21 after a successful two-point conversion attempt executed by holder Jagg Richer to Dom Ezeonye.
The game was tied with only 3:45 remaining in the third quarter. However, Saddleback quickly responded with a game-changing play, as Ben Stewart returned a punt 56 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, establishing a lead that PCC was unable to overcome.
Despite being in striking distance, PCC missed several crucial opportunities to score in the final moments of the game. In a pivotal moment, Cedric Allen II recovered a fumble at the Saddleback 18-yard line, giving PCC a chance to regain the lead. However, on a critical fourth-and-one situation at the Saddleback 4-yard line, Grizzell’s pass intended for Raul Dorantes fell incomplete, sealing the outcome for the Lancers.
PCC’s struggles with execution in scoring situations were evident, as they missed a short field goal and had to settle for a 22-yard field goal by Dylan Benitez in the second quarter. An important momentum shift occurred earlier in the game when Noah Triplett’s potential 87-yard kick return touchdown was nullified due to a holding penalty, further impacting PCC’s offensive rhythm.
Statistically, Grizzell completed 14 of 30 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Backup quarterback Xavier Buckles also contributed by completing 4 of 12 passes for 49 yards, though he faced challenges with dropped passes. The Lancers struggled in their rushing game, accumulating only 57 yards overall, with Ezeonye leading the charge with 20 yards on seven carries. Triplett emerged as the top receiver with six catches for 54 yards, in addition to managing 99 yards across four kick returns for a total of 161 all-purpose yards. Hubbell’s two receptions included the critical 80-yard touchdown.
PCC’s defense saw strong performances, with freshman linebacker Gabriel Sulaiman leading with seven tackles, while returning sophomores Kim Aseh, Cedric Allen, Coleman Morning, and Jasun Ridley each made notable contributions as well. All-State lineman Sione Suliafu added four tackles to bolster the defensive efforts.
Even with limited penalties—just four against PCC compared to Saddleback’s 17 penalties for 143 yards—the inability to capitalize on scoring chances ultimately hurt PCC’s chances for victory. Benitez, who contributed two field goals, including a 33-yarder, also faced an injury late in the game, further complicating field positioning for PCC.
Looking ahead, the Lancers, now with an active roster of 107 players, will be looking to bounce back. Their next game is scheduled against Santa Barbara City College on September 6 at 6 p.m. This game kicks off an exciting new chapter for PCC in the eight-team SCFA National Central League, with their league schedule starting on September 20 against College of the Canyons at noon.
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Additional Resources
- Pasadena Now: Football Returns to SCFA National Level
- Wikipedia: Football
- PCC Courier: Football News
- Google Search: PCC football
- Pasadena Now: Ten More PCC Football Players Advance to Next Level
- Google Scholar: Football Statistics
- Pasadena Now: Football Offense Continues to Soar in COD Victory
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Pasadena Now: Football Bounty Rodriguez All-American State Region IV Defensive MVP
- Google News: PCC Football
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