City College running back Tre Bussey (23) takes a hit from American River College’s linebacker George Spithorst (55) Saturday, during the 2018 season opener at ARC’s Beaver Stadium. Ryan Middleton | Staff Photographer | rmiddleton.express@gmail.com
Rough Beginning; Turnovers cost Panthers’ in season opener
The City College football team turned the ball over three times, dropping the season opener on the road and lost 28–14 to American River College.
Panthers quarterback Jayden Machado completed 24 of 37 passes with 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Machado tied the score in the second quarter of the game when he connected with wide receiver Ruben Leon on a 28-yard touchdown.
The Beavers went on to score 21 unanswered points to take a 28-7 lead. Panther Head Coach Dannie Walker said the team made too many mistakes in the game.
“You can’t turn the ball over three times to a good football team and expect good things to happen,” Walker said.
City College fumbled the ball twice and had an interception returned for 52 yards.
The Panthers outgained the Beavers on total offense with 369 yards, and they also won the battle of time of possession, having the ball for 33:33 seconds.
Walker also said he believes there were some nerves and miscommunication involved because it was the first game of the season. Despite some of the mishaps, he still believes his team will be ready to respond better in the next game.
“They just have to be able to learn from those mistakes that they made. Hopefully, they can come back better and get a different result,” Walker said.
The Panthers’ next game will be at home Sept. 7 when they host City College of San Francisco. Last season the Rams defeated the Panthers 55–21 in the Capital City Bowl Game at Hughes Stadium.
