SANTA BARBARA, CA - The Santa Barbara City College Football team lost at home to El Camino Saturday night, 45-20.
"Just got to try and figure out what happened and then move on," head coach Craig Moropoulos said.
In the first quarter, El Camino was putting together a decent drive, looking to score on their first possession. Miscommunication in the backfield led to a fumbled exchange, and Caleb McNeill-Tyler pounced on it, continuing the incredible run of takeaways going back to last week against Antelope Valley.
The Vaqueros offense could not take advantage and were forced to punt. El Camino would score on their next possession, and the first quarter ended 7-0.
After another El Camino touchdown early in the second quarter made it 14-0, Jackson Meehan found a seam and returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to cut the lead in half, 14-7.
That would be all the scoring for the Vaqueros in the first half, though.
Before halftime, El Camino would tack on two more times in the last five minutes, giving them a 28-7 lead at the break.
The SBCC offense failed to gain traction, and El Camino tacked on another touchdown and field goal in the third quarter, increasing their lead to 38-7.
"We've got to establish something in the running game," Moropoulos said of the offense. "But once you fall behind, it's hard to re-establish. I'd like to throw and run—have some balance—but it wasn't our night."
After an El Camino fourth quarter touchdown, the score was a daunting 45-7.
"On the back end [defensively], we've got to be better," Moropoulos added. "We're better than that. We've got to turn the page and move on."
Will Doherty connected with Kayden Chan for a 5-yard touchdown to give the Vaqueros offense their first score of the night.
On El Camino's next offensive play, an odd sequence was ruled a fumble, and SBCC recovered and carried inside the El Camino 10. Kayden Chan rushed in this time from 6 yards out, and the Vaqueros shortened the deficit to 45-20. The score would finish there.
"I don't think it hurts finishing strong," Moropoulos said optimistically.
A few defensive guys for SBCC seemed to have their names called often—Jack Myers, Matt Croteau, and Wil Smith had 11, 10, and 8 total tackles, respectively.
"We never want to stop playing hard," Moropoulos said. "I admire those guys."
Kayden Chan led in receptions with 6, while Cole Brosterhous had 5 and Jackson Meehan snagged 4. Brosterhous led in yardage with 53, while Meehan (48), and Chan (45) followed suit.
Quarterback Will Doherty threw 27 for 42 for 248 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Shaun Smith also saw action, going 4 for 8 for 31 yards.
"We play a different team next week, with different strengths and different weaknesses," Moropoulos concluded, "have to make sure no one is dwelling on [last] Saturday."
The Vaqueros play another conference game away at Allan Hancock this coming Saturday at 2:00 PM.
The Honorary Vaquero Captain for the game was Dean of local play-by-play announcers, and a Vaquero himself, John Martony. John has been broadcasting sporting events in the Santa Barbara area for 41 years. He started his career at La Playa Stadium where he announced the 1982 Mission Bowl as a 20-year-old Vaquero baseball pitcher running over after practice. SBCC Athletics appreciates John's incredible dedication over the years and was proud to have him as our Honorary Vaquero Captain on Saturday night.
