Jessica Conway/ Roundup
Energy and team spirit packed the Sartoris Football Field Friday evening as seats quickly filled Glendale College’s bleachers for a Pacific Conference American Division game.
Although, Brahmas were missing player 5, Greg Wanamaker from his previous game injury at Fullerton, he was still in the crowd to support his team.
As the sun set Cheerleaders pompoms pumped as (Pierce College’s) Brahmas got their game faces on for the start of an exciting game against the (Glendale College’s) Vaqueros.
Pierce College ranked No. 17 in Southern California according to this weeks California Community College Regional State Football Poll and, remained persistent with keeping the score up until the end.
With 2:38 on the clock in the first quarter Brahmas in the lead 14-0, the Brahmas are feeling confident to win.
The Vaqueros makes their first touchdown with 14:56 on the clock in the second quarter, the Brahmas quickly resurrect with a touchdown of their own keeping them in the lead 21 to 7.
With 20 seconds on the clock in the second quarter the Vaqueros stand at defense on the 40-yard line as the Brahmas attempt to score another touchdown.
“Beep!”
The horn blows for half time leaving Glendale fans in expectancy to win as Cheerleaders support their teams.
As the third quarter begins the smell of cotton candy and hot dogs fill the air while fans anticipate the next touchdown.
“We are definitely going to win tonight, we have been ahead all night” says Taurus Samuels, a Pierce College fan.
Damon Julian scores the Brahmas their 5th touchdown at 9:31 in the third quarter leaving them at 35 points.
By the end of the third quarter the Vaqueros had scored 2 more touchdowns gaining on the Brahmas, the score now at 35- 20.
With Brahmas in the lead the fans roar in a combination of fury and triumph.
“I was impressed with the first game I attended at Fullerton where we came out with a memorable win, with Pierce’s talent, coaching, and program they have a great chance to win,” said Alfred Robinson, a Brahmas fan.
Into the fourth quarter suspense lingered, a supportive Glendale baby fan cries in the audience as the Cheerleaders cheer in rivalry, “Offense!”
“Defense!” “Offense!” “Defense!”
The Vaqueros make a complete pass with 34 seconds on the clock, crowd cheers for offense, with 0 seconds on the clock the Vaqueros make the touchdown leaving the score at 40-42.
Referee calls Penalty, the stands falls silent, the game goes into overtime, the Vaqueros have the ball at the 4-yard line with 20 seconds on the clock.
“Beep!”
Brahmas win 42-40 the teams show respect to each other through sportsmanship meanwhile, crowd fleas the bleachers in partially victory and partially defeat, but the team has another perspective on the game.
“It’s a win, but I don’t feel great about it,” says Brahmas player 1, Kenny Davis.
The team won, but has higher expectations for themselves, meanwhile Pierce fans crowded the parking lots in pride of their team.
“I felt like we came in strong, but we get too comfortable when we get in the lead, we just have to stay more disciplined and learn how to stay at the top,” said Brahmas player, Michael Hodeib. He was taken out of the game for a few plays during the second quarter because of a hyper-extended knee.
Pierce College Coach Martinez agreed, “we got the distance with out contenders and noncontenders, we need to learn to distance ourselves from any of our opposing teams in order to win by a landslide.”
The excitement will continue on October 16th, with the Brahmas at their next game against the Bulldogs at Santa Barbara College at 6 p.m.