The 49ers lost Saturday, October 18, on the road to San Joaquin Delta College, 42-22. The 49ers, coming off of a bye week, were only trailing by one touchdown in the first half. However, the San Joaquin Mustangs came back to take the second half. San Joaquin Delta has a 6-0, 1-0 record and is currently ranked second in Northern California. Damarcus Washington gained the most yards for the team, totaling five catches for 100 yards, which shadowed the Mustang’s star running back, Brandon Harper by only 34 yards.
Yuba did benefit from their only quarterback on the roster, Brian Botts, returning to the field. Botts was put on the injured list after breaking his wrist during practice Thursday, October 2. This left head coach Ted Hoal two days to find and train his replacement quarterback, freshman defensive back Mario Sonora (6’0″, 185lbs.). Due to the inexperience of Sonora, the 49ers were limited mainly to pitches and short quarterback passes during their Saturday October 4 game.
This resulted in a 3-7 home loss versus the Cabrillo College Seahawks, dropping Yuba’s record to 2-3.
Hoal said, “As disappointed as I am, I’m pretty proud of (Sonora). We worked with him all hours of the night and early Saturday morning. To lose a game 7-3 under those circumstances, it’s hard to get too upset.” While the strong Cabrillo defense kept Yuba out of the end zone the entire game, the 49ers hit back hard, keeping the Seahawks scoreless until the middle of the fourth quarter.
Yuba College receiver Earnest West (5’8″, 160 lbs.) said, “Our defense is doing well but the offense needs to bring it up a notch to be competitive in conference play.”
Yuba was leading the game 3-0 during the second and third quarters after a 30-yard field goal by freshman Kyle McTighe (6’0″, 165 lbs.) at the end of the first quarter. (6’1″, 175 lbs)
Defensive captain Soloni Taumalolo (6’0″, 265lbs.) said, “What we need to work on is everything and unity.”
Many team members maintain that the team drastically needs the support of the college students at their games. Vercell Jones (5’9″, 235 lbs.) said, “Please come and support us.”
Yuba College will be traveling to American River College, Saturday, Oct. 25 before returning home after two weeks away. The 49ers will then play at home, Saturday, November 1 against Shasta College.
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