The Fresno City College Rams football team wrapped up their undefeated season with a 31-0 victory against their arch rival, Reedley College in the “The Battle of the Pump.”
In the process, the Rams also took the conference title. Head coach, Tony Caviglia convinced his team that Reedley had nothing to lose, so the Rams were ready to deal with whatever the Tigers were planning to do.
“Our defense played real good. They kept us in the game,” said Caviglia. “We scored in the kicking game and on defense.”
The Rams went into the game without quarterback Lance Orender who had suffered a sprained clavicle during the game against San Joaquin Delta, a week earlier. Orender is expected to play in the championship game against City College of San Francisco on Dec. 26.
First year player Jacob Salas took the place of Orender and completed 9 of 16 passes and threw for one touchdown pass and two interceptions.  Caviglia said the Manteca native “did a great job managing the game.”
The Rams’ first score came after defensive back Travis Quarless intercepted a pass and returned it to Reedley’s 13 yard line. The Rams scored three plays later when running back Kevin Williams rushed the ball into the end zone from six yards out.
The grudge match game for the pump stayed close until special team’s player Dasheo Frierson returned Reedley’s failed field goal attempt for 109 yards to put the Rams up 21-0 with no time left before half time.
Caviglia’s scouting report showed that Reedley has a tendency to fake field goals and punt the ball, so the Rams were prepared to respond by putting Frierson in a position to receive the ball.
“He [Caviglia] told me during practice that their field goal kicker couldn’t kick that far. He kicked it right to me, and I saw nothing but the end zone and said I have to score,” said Frierson who said he believes that the Rams are undefeated because of the hard work in practice.
“Every player takes it upon themselves to work hard, even when the coaches are not around,” said Frierson. This is the third undefeated FCC football team under Caviglia’s leadership. Caviglia expects “to compete, play and win every game” he plays.
“Sometime, it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but we prepare to win, and this year it happened,” Caviglia said. “We have a lot of heroes, a lot of great stories.”  He also added that his players operate with great character.
Offensive lineman Josiah St. John is one of those heroes. “We work hard to do what we are taught and told to do,” said John. The Rams are ranked high in many categories.  They are ranked No.1 in passing, passing efficiency, and sacks allowed. They are also ranked No. 2 in total offense and No. 3 in rushing.
Their defense has many similar honors as well. They are No.1 in the fewest points allowed as they have allowed just 163 points. They also recorded the most interceptions with 25 including two returned for a touchdown.
Many of the players have also put up strong numbers. The Rams have the No. 1 passer in Lance Orender, and several top receivers including Leroy Travis who is ranked No. 2 in receiving and Trent Hicks who is No. 7.  The defense has been led by Dashoen Frierson who is No. 10 in tackles, as well as Corey Childs and Caleb Justice who are both No. 7 in sacks.