Antonio Hernandez
The Moorpark College Raiders ran straight through the Pierce College Brahmas football team, ending the night with a 52-32 defeat Saturday at Shepard Stadium. The defeat solidifies a three game losing streak, bringing the Brahmas record to three wins and five losses. The Raiders however, enjoy a record of six wins and only two losses. The Brahmas began the first half with high hopes. Despite receiving the ball at the beginning of the game, the Raiders stopped Pierce in their tracks. Alexander Pettee, Brahma quarterback, was sacked on the Pierce 37-yard line. The sack set the tone for the whole game and after a bout of unsuccessful running plays, the Brahmas punted the ball. With their hands on the ball, the Raiders wasted no time in scoring a touchdown. Raiders’ Wide Receiver Daniel Wolverton received a 4-yard pass from Quarterback Bryan Randolph. The touchdown brought the score to 7-0 with 9:28 still to play in the first quarter. Receiving the ball again, the Brahmas were stopped behind their 20-yard line. The Brahmas struggled to bring the ball up the field and were forced to punt the ball. The Raiders responded swiftly, scoring another touchdown with their seemingly perfect offense. With the score 14-0 and 6:19 still left in the first quarter, it looked like Moorpark wanted to end the game early. Pettee had a different idea. On the run and with the Moorpark defense hot on his heels, Pettee threw a 36-yard pass to Wide Receiver Michael Cooper. The pass brought the quiet home crowd to their feet, breathing hope early into the game. However, the crowd only sat through the remaining first half as Moorpark responded with two touchdowns, rushing through the Pierce defensive line. The two touchdowns closed the first half with a score of 31-10. Receiving the ball after a punt, the Brahmas tried to use the second half as means to turn the game around. The Raiders’ defensive line held though and Pierce was forced to let go of the ball. The Raiders again showed their strength in rushing. Running Back James Clay plowed through the Pierce defense, running 20-yards for another touchdown. The Raiders had a total of 286 rushing yards by the end of the game. Pierce tried to respond, but the Raiders stopped them dead once again. With a 45-yard touchdown by interception and a 7-yard touchdown run, the third quarter ended with a score of 45-16. The second half closed with Pierce scoring two more touchdowns and blocking a field goal attempt. “Nobody gave up, everybody played hard until the end of the game. I’m proud of that,” said Govinda Covin, Brahmas’ defensive line coach, as he addressed the team after the game. The head coach of the Brahmas was also proud of his team despite the loss. “Las Vegas didn’t get built in a day and neither does a great football team. They showed character and that’s what counts,” said Brahmas’ Head Coach Efrain Martinez. Pierce’s next game will be on Nov. 3 against Compton Community College, at Cabrillo High School, Long Beach.