Nick Pecoraro
Sports Editor
Npecoraro.express@gmail.com
The Panther football team got off to a triumphant start to 2017, with a resilient 55-38 victory over San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton Sept. 2.
Freshman quarterback Jayden Machado completed 19 of his 31 pass attempts for 248 yards and threw three touchdown passes in his debut with City College.
Down 17-13 after the first half, the Panthers outscored the Mustangs 42-21 in the second half. City College took its first lead of the game on a 9-yard connection from Machado to his former Elk Grove High teammate, Aidan Martinez, putting the Panthers up 20-17 early in the third quarter.
On the ensuing Delta possession, Peyton Bailey intercepted a pass and took it 41 yards to the end zone to cushion the Panthers’ lead. It was one of three interceptions for City College on Saturday.
The Mustangs remained within three points, 34-31, heading into the fourth quarter before freshman Tre Bussey raced for two scores from inside the 10-yard line, giving City College the lead for good. Bussey finished the game with 117 rushing yards.
The Panthers and the Mustangs were nearly identical in total yardage — 479 and 478, respectively — but City College’s ability to come up with big plays was the difference.
Tayvian Cunningham returned an 89-yard kickoff for a touchdown just seconds after Delta scored on its first drive of the game. Isaiah Montanez added a 60-yard run to cap the scoring late in the fourth for City College.
The Panthers (1-0) play their first game at Hughes Stadium against Contra Costa College Friday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m.
For more stats and other info, visit the SCC Football page at www.sccpanthers.losrios.edu/sports/fball
