Kiyomi Kikuchi
Playing a rescheduled homecoming game away at Santa Monica College, the Pierce College football team lost their Monday night game, 28-25, ending their season.
In the first quarter, Pierce kicker Bradley Borreson punted on the fourth down. Joshua Martin, Santa Monica wide receiver, caught the ball at the 46-yard line and ran up the field to make the first touchdown of the game, 6-0.
Three minutes later, Pierce wide receiver Justin Reeves made a completion on a 32-yard pass from quarterback Taylor Budd, resulting in a touchdown to raise the score in Pierce’s favor, 7-6.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Pierce had a repeat of the first quarter when Santa Monica offense caught the ball and ran it up to the 10-yard line, shaking off Pierce defenses. Cedric Hayes, Santa Monica running back, made a touchdown from the 2-yard line, setting Pierce behind, 13-7.
Two minutes later, Borreson scored a field goal from the 33-yard line. With two minutes left in the third quarter, Pierce wide receiver Jonas Matos made a completion of a 52-yard pass from Budd, giving Pierce a 3-point advantage.
When Borreson made a field goal attempt, Santa Monica defenses blocked it and Nickade Ramsey, Santa Monica wide receiver caught the fumble and ran the ball down to make a touchdown, setting the score at 15-16.
In the fourth quarter, Matos made a completion of a 3-yard pass from Budd after 14 plays, giving Pierce a temporary 6-point lead. However, with one minute remaining in the game, Santa Monica returned a punt for a touchdown for a third time.
In Pierce’ fourth down, Santa Monica defenders blocked the ball Budd kicked in the 10-yard line. Charles Hatchett, Santa Monica left back, caught the fumble and made a tie, 22-22, sending the game into overtime.
“Pierce worked their asses off and gave us something to work with,” Jason Reyes, Santa Monica quarterback Coach said. “It was a great way to end the season.”
Borreson failed three field-goal attempts due to Santa Monica’s blocking, but Santa Monica defenders pushed Pierce defenders, which caused a fumble, according to Pierce head coach Efrain Martinez. In overtime, the game started from the 25-yard line. Pierce attacked first. Borreson’s field goal put Pierce three points ahead after seven plays.
But when Santa Monica got the ball, Daron Bartholomew, Santa Monica running back, ran the ball to make a touchdown in one play from the 25-yard line, securing Pierce’s loss, 28-25.
“I believe we did the best regardless of the outcome,” said Pierce running back Ryan Kidd. “We all make mistakes. We are human.”
Pierce line back Michael Wismann said even though they worked hard and did all they could to win, the team will be working much harder in the off-season to come back better prepared and stronger.
Overall, Martinez knew the game was going to be close due to a few blunders along the way he said.
“When Santa Monica comes to our home, we will return the favor,” he said.
The football team ended its run at 2-8 for the season and 2-5 in conference.
Injured plays Kenny Davis and Justin Collins, who were out in the beginning and middle of the season due to injuries, will come back next season.
Pierce running back Ryan Kidd takes Santa Monica defenders on in the fourth quarter at Santa Monica Football Stadium on Nov. 17. Kidd assisted a touchdown that brought the game to 22-15, but in the last minutes of overtime, Pierce lost 28-25. ()
Brahma quarterback Taylor Budd (19) Breaks away from the defending players at their away game loss versus Santa Monica City College on Monday November 17, 2008. (Aisha Ahal)