The Fresno City College Rams won the “Battle of the Pump” on Saturday night against the Reedley Tigers in a close game that ended with a score of 28-24. The game was a see saw affair that saw both teams hold the lead throughout the game.w

The Rams got off to a fast offensive start with three passing touchdowns in the first quarter including a passing touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.

Despite the promising start the Rams were unable to get back to the end zone until the fourth quarter. FCC quarterback Michael Baker ended the game with four touchdowns and 294 passing yards. Receiver Jake East had two touchdown catches in the first quarter.

The Rams defense held the Tigers to three field goals in the first half but the tigers rallied to take the lead with 15 unanswered points in the third quarter making the score 24-21 to begin the fourth.

The rams relied on two interceptions deep in their own territory to keep the rallying Tigers from scoring. The first interception came with 10:32 left in the fourth quarter by defensive back Trevor Baker.

This stopped a Reedley drive that would have extended the Reedley lead. Quarterback Michael Baker would connect with receiver Tim Brown for a 12 yard score giving the Rams a 4 point lead.

After another lengthy Tiger drive starting from the Tiger 13 yard line, they once again took the ball back into Ram territory. The drive would end with 1:20 left in the game with an interception in the end zone by Ram defensive back Duron Singleton. The game would end with the Rams taking a knee and running out the clock.

Immediately following the game, the Associated Student Government president of the winning school received the pump trophy.

After the game, FCC Coach Tony Caviglia said “it was a heck of a football game and I think our team learned a valuable lesson, when we don’t give up good things happen.”

Caviglia added “We made big plays but we didn’t do the little things and that got us caught and Reedley played very tough and they’re a very good football team.”

“We came out real fast we let up a little but we knew the goal at the end of the game and pulled it off.” says FCC Quarterback Michael Baker. “It gives us a lot of fire because we know the potential that we have .This gives us a lot of fire to come out against San Fran.”

Reedley Receiver Kendrick Peeples finished the game with 8 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Reedley Kicker Dennis Gallo had three field goals in the game.

The Rams record stands at 3-0 as they prepare for their next game against long-time rival San Francisco City College at Ratcliffe Stadium. The last time these teams met was in the Nor-Cal Football Association Championship. SFCC won that game 57-13.