Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the 2002 Yuba College football team this season, they ran into the College of the Redwoods. By looking at the 40-0 loss by the 49ers, one might think that the College of the Redwoods is a powerhouse football team. But similar to the 49ers, the Redwood Corsairs were also searching for their first victory of the season entering the game, and they got it in blowout fashion. Technically, the Corsairs did have one other victory, which came by way of forfeit. The 49ers were left still looking for their first victory which they hope to get in their next game against Cabrillo College, or their next home game versus San Joaquin Delta. The way the 49ers have been playing so far this season, it might be hard for them to get that first victory that they crave so badly. With the hardest part of their schedule still left to play, it might be a long rest of the season. The 49ers are currently 0-4 with five regular season games still left to play. Even if the team wins its remaining games, it will be left with a 5-4 record and likely out of any playoff consideration. The fact is that the 49ers are off to one of the worst starts in school history, after being favorites to win their divisions before the season started. In their four games this season they have played teams that were clearly underdogs. The 49ers have not been close in any of the games except the first game against Feather River College, in which they opened with a 16-0 lead, only to get shutout the rest of the way. With the high scores being put up against the 49ers this season it might be easy to blame the defense for the bad play. But the offense has typically been the one not carrying its share of the load, and clearly showed this in the latest loss. The defense spent too much time on the field because the offense just could not get first downs and sustain lengthy drives.
It is evident that the transfer of former running back, John West, to the University of Hawaii has hurt the 49er offense more than expected. Last year’s standout running back left Yuba College to return home to Hawaii this past summer, and the effect on the 49er football team has been devastating.
There were a number of candidates to step in and fill the void left by West, but no one has done the job. Poor running back play combined with some inconsistent quarterback play has made this season one to forget for the 49ers. There is still a good chance for the 49ers to turn their season around and finish with a respectable record.
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