Pierce struggled to hold onto the football most of the night as early mistakes led to a lopsided defeat against their crosstown rival Los Angeles Valley College at home.
Bad snaps, penalties and fumbles prevented Pierce’s offense and defense to get into any type of rhythm. With the win, Valley kept control of the Victory Bell — part of the crosstown rivals’ tradition rewarded to the winner — after beating Pierce, 64-13.
Pierce’s record now is 1-5.
“We made some brutal mistakes on special teams and gave them 35 points on bad snaps and two pick sixes,” Pierce coach Jason Sabolic said. “We just can’t make mistakes like that against a good football team.”
Pierce had eight fumbles, lost four of them, and also had two interceptions. Valley took advantage of those turnovers, scoring each time.
Valley’s first nine points were from fumbled snaps on Pierce’s offense and special teams.
Pierce responded with an interception return for a touchdown by Jackson Stewart, to cut the score 9-7.
“It felt good [to get the interception]. I played the defense my coach told me to play and he led me right to the ball,” Stewart said.
However, Valley scored on its next two drives, to end the first quarter 23-7.
In the second quarter, Valley scored on an interception return for a touchdown by Frederick Wortham.
Pierce’s last score came from a 44 yard punt return for a touchdown to cut the score 30-13 at halftime.
In the second half, Pierce failed to score and gave up multiple touchdowns, leading to their defeat.
“We just have to rebuild,” defensive coordinator Torry Hughes said. “Ultimately, it’s about getting kids out and getting them to the next level. Our program is in a rebuilding phase. We just have to keep fighting and get back and prepare next week.”
Next week, Pierce will face Citrus College on the road at 1:00 p.m.
