Karina Gonzalez
The Pierce College Football team faced the Santa Monica Corsairs Saturday and narrowly defeated them, 43-42.The win could have been easier for the Brahmas had they been more cautious of their defensive line from the beginning.The Brahmas continue to have a positive beat when it comes to teamwork. After starting the season with two straight wins, then later losing the next two, the Brahmas entered their fifth game needing a win in order to stay alive in the Western State Conference.”This game was rediculous,” said freshman slot receiver Michael Cooper. “We made too many mistakes, the game should have been more like 43-0, or 43-10.”Although the Brahmas proved to be superior to their opponent throughout the first quarter, scoring three touchdowns, that was all about to change. It all started when Santa Monica linebacker Charles Hatchett intercepted a pass thrown by Pierce quarterback Alex Pette and ran it all the way back to score. A few plays later, Corsairs wide receiver Carlton Richard caught a 40-yard pass from quarterback Brandon Howell. But just before half time, Brahmas slot receiver Michael Cooper caught a vertical 11-yard pass from Alex Pette. The score at the half favored the Brahmas, but barely: 30-28.During the third quarter, the Brahmas defense made a number of errors that would have them on their heels and chasing the scoreboard for the rest of the game. Combining this with a number of fumbles and a few other plays that consisted of short passes, the Brahmas seemed almost destined to lose their third straght game. To start the fourth quarter the Corsairs had the upper hand, 42-30.But it was in this last quarter that the Brahams defensive line finally stepped it up. They played a perfect 15 minutes, during which they didn’t allow a single point from the Corsairs. Three minutes into the quarter, when the Corsairs had the ball in their own 25-yard line, Brahmas defensive back Chaz Russell made and interception and ran it home. The score was tied, from then on it was up to the kicker Brad Borreson to win the game. Borreson wasn’t having the best of nights in his football career, he had missed 5 field goals prior to this point. But he went from zero to hero when he scored this last one. At the point there was a minute and a half left on the clock, it was too late for the Corsairs to react.”It was great in the end,” said quarterback Alex Pette, “In the end, offense, defense and special teams came together and that’s all that matters.””It was a little too close for comfort,” said Coach Martinez. “But regarless of the outcome, we still won. And that’s huge for these guys.”The Brahmas will now have a BYE week and will resume action when they visit West L.A. College on October 13th.