The Pasadena City College football fought back from a 21-point second-half deficit but couldn’t complete the comeback in losing to state #2 Golden West, 28-21, in a SCFA National Central League game in a special edition of Lancers football on a Thursday evening at Robinson Stadium.
The #17-ranked Lancers (3-3 overall, 1-2 in NCL play) rallied on the play of quarterback Xavier Buckles, who completed 30 of 45 passes for 323 yards and two passing touchdowns plus a perfectly executed fake draw play that resulted in a 30-yard scamper in the second quarter.
Buckles hit Ethan Hubbell for a 7-yard TD throw in the third quarter and connected for a 4-yard scoring pass to Jagg Richer with 8:27 left in the game. Kicker Ryan Chen was 3-for-3 on extra point attempts.
PCC twice blocked Rustlers’ field goals, one by Jasun Ridley and the other a tip deflection by Ethan Bowser.
Following Bowser’s big play, the Lancers started possession at the PCC 20-yard line with 4:42 remaining. PCC got as far as the 34, but two penalties hindered the team’s chances and Buckles had a fourth-down pass intercepted by GWC’s John Bivens near midfield. Golden West ran out the clock to remain undefeated at 6-0 overall and improve to 3-0 in league play.
The Lancers receiving was paced by Cam Mitchell, who caught four passes for 91 yards, including a long of 56. Aiden Wood had six receptions for 51 yards and Richer five for 31 yards. Hubbell added four catches for 67 yards while Maddux Mateski, Noah Triplett, and Javery Mayberry each made three receptions.
Triplett totaled 160 all-purpose yards, 96 in four kick returns and a team-best 51 rushing yards in 11 carries.
Defensively, Gabriel Sulaiman totaled nine tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break-up, Coleman Morning made nine tackles, Bowser had eight tackles and an interception, Ridley added seven tackles, Desi Valdes collected five tackles and broke up a pass, Devon Jones made four tackles and knocked down a pass, and Sione Suliafu performed a sack and had a hurry.
Golden West only edged PCC in total offense, 444-411, but the Rustlers made three interceptions, including a 38-yard pickoff for a TD by Drew Faulkner in the first quarter.
The Lancers will next play at Cerritos College on Saturday, Oct. 18 in a 6 p.m. NCL kickoff.
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