PCC Football Ends ’14 Season with Whimper

The promises of a better future will have to wait for the Pasadena City College football program. After a 2-2 start to the season, the Lancers lost their final six games and finished last in the National Northern Conference. Bakersfield College handed PCC a 28-3, season-ending defeat in the annual Homecoming game at Robinson Stadium Saturday.

The Lancers, 2-8 and 1-5 in the NNC, scored a season low against the SoCal No. 11-ranked Renegades (5-4, 3-2). In PCC’s final six quarters of the year, the team was outscored 66-3 by Bakersfield and Allan Hancock.

PCC’s only score came on a 36-yard field goal by Franklyn Cervanka, his seventh FG of the season, with 10:27 left in the second quarter. It capped a 13-play drive that included two completions for 32 yadrs by quarterback Trevor Hampton.

Bakersfield took a 7-0 lead just 1:03 into the game on a 20-yard TD pass from quarterback Tarek Yaeggi to receiver Marquise Johnson. The two would hook up later for a 6-yard touchdown toss 4:21 into the third quarter. Bakersfield had a big game from Derrick Vickers, who broke loose on a 55-yard run to set up the first touchdown and he had punt returns of 52 and 37 yards that helped the Renegades gain strong field position.

The Lancers were led by wide receiver Ricky Blair as he caught six receptions for 77 yards. Running back Ruben Lawhorn carried 15 times for 66 yards while Ahmad Springer, who played quarterback late in the game, rushed for 50 yards in six carries.

On defense, linebacker Jalyn Williams made nine tackles and an interception while lineman Dyaire Hicks also picked off a pass. Linebacker Anthony Johnson forced a fumble on a sack.

It’s been a tough stretch for the football program as its won just four of its last 30 games in the past three years (although two losses were reversed and later changed to forfeit victories).