The Fresno City College Rams recently defeated the Laney College Eagles by a score of 25-9, at Ratcliffe Stadium, on Oct. 12.
The Rams were on a winning streak at the top of the season, bringing four wins in a row until they faced their first loss against the San Mateo Bulldogs, in San Mateo, on Oct. 5.
That loss didn’t stop the Rams from defeating Laney, and FCC running back Dante Hedrington said he knew the Eagles were going to be intense from the start.
“Laney is a team that’s up and coming,” Hedrington said. “We knew it was going to be an intense game all four quarters.”
This is Hedrington’s first time playing for the Rams. He’s originally from Iowa and he’s currently studying biology.
The biggest highlight from the first quarter was a pass from FCC quarterback Ryan Markarian to Nahzae Cox for a 75-yard touchdown drive, followed up by a successful supporting kick by Johnny Enriquez.An unfortunate fumble by Markarian was recovered by Laney’s Gavin O’Leary in the second quarter, which opened the floor for Laney Billy Hewitt (Laney) to attempt a field goal from the 34-yard line.
Two field goals were handed to Laney as the game reached the third quarter, but an interception by FCC’s Jordan Black managed to correct the tone for the rest of the game.
At the top of the fourth, Enriquez’s field goal attempt from the 33-yard line was good, and that gain was followed up with a 28-yard touchdown drive between FCC quarterback Ya’J Vance and wide receiver Travis Sirwet.
Laney College had 11 penalties during the game, which cost them 110 yards in the long run, a pass from Vance to halfback Andrew Chavez for a successful 2-point conversion, which brought the score up to 25-9.
FCC maintained that lead for the rest of the game and the Rams finished the non-conference leg of the season with a 5-1 record.
The win against the Eagles pushed the Rams up to the number one slot in the valley conference leg of California Community College Athletic Association (3C2A) standings.
That means FCC is the valley’s team to beat as they head into 3C2A Championship Playoffs.
After the game, Hedrington spoke about the team’s strong defense and about how they played a critical role in preventing the Eagles from landing a single touchdown.
“That’s what they practice all week for,” Hedrington said. “They got to step up and help the team out. They do it every time.”
FCC football player Keanu Kuma spoke about the win against Laney College and the team’s defense after the game as well. Kuma is a linebacker for the Rams, and it’s his second year playing for the team.
“On the defensive side, we allowed no touchdowns, and we’re still being consistent with that everyday,” Kuma said. “This game was intense, but every single game from here on out is going to be three times more.”
