Varsity football team starts slow in first regular season games

Originally published on October 13, 2016. Updated on October 24, 2016.

Cardinals face off against the Burton Pumas at Lowell on Sept. 30. Photo by Leonard Caoili

The varsity football team dropped its last two games against the Burton Pumas and Galileo Lions on Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, respectively. The Cards lost the game against the Pumas 30–14 and the Lions 42–8.

In the game against the Pumas, the Cardinals started strong with a touchdown eight minutes into the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Cardinals were up 6–0.

In the game against the Pumas, the Cardinals started strong with a touchdown eight minutes into the first quarter.

The Cardinals were unable to carry over the momentum from the first quarter into the second. Six minutes into the quarter, the Pumas scored a touchdown along with a two-point conversion. The Cardinals trailed 8–6 at the end of the first half.

Junior wingback and linebacker Michael Lee tries to escape the Puma defenders. Photo by Leonard Caoili

During the third quarter, the Cardinals bounced back with a touchdown with a two-point conversion, putting them in the lead 14–8. However, seven minutes into the third quarter, the Pumas scored a pass play, putting them in the lead. By the end of the quarter, the Cardinals were down 16–14.

The Cardinals were held scoreless in the final quarter and dropped two touchdowns to Burton. The team lost the game 30–14.

In the following game at Kezar Stadium against the Lions, the Cardinals endured another loss, finishing the game 42–8.

Throughout the first half, the Cardinals drove the ball easily down the field and were confident they could win, according to right tackle Jacob Weiss. However, in the third quarter, the Lions started gaining points as the Cardinals began failing drives and missing outside runs.

Currently, the Cardinals have a regular season record of 0–4. They have faced the Burton Pumas, Galileo Lions, Lincoln Mustangs and the Balboa Buccaneers. Their next game is on Friday at Lowell at 3 p.m. against the Mission Bears.

Senior defensive back, wide back and quarterback Micheal Gomez runs the ball down the field. Photo by Leonard Caoili