City College Rams Crushed by College of San Mateo Bulldogs
CSM rolled over City, collecting 31 points in the process.
After solid performances in the past two games, the Rams were stopped in their tracks by College of San Mateo, who took the win 31-7.
City College, looking to add another game to its win streak, instead was met with steep opposition on both sides of the ball from the Bulldogs.
“We just didn't get it done,” said coach Eduardo Nuño, ”We gave them opportunities, and they're gonna make you pay for them.”
The Rams offense looked silent through all four quarters and struggled to maintain possession of the ball. San Mateo picked off Rams quarterback Braden Waterman in two instances when the Rams were on the CSM 35 and CSM 45. Throughout the game, the Bulldogs maintained pressure on Waterman, who ended the day 11-23 with 95 passing yards, aforementioned interceptions and a touchdown.
Waterman threw said touchdown pass of the game early in the second quarter, finding tight end Damien Miles for a 20-yard reception. Santana Ortiz also saw time under center, going 6-14 and 43 yards passing.
“I feel like we're playing catch up with the quarterback position because of how things have developed with the injuries and all that,” Nuño said. He added that Waterman broke his hand in the first game of the season. Waterman returned against San Jose last week with little play time after a five week absence. This game against CSM represented his most playing time since that initial game.
The start of the third quarter presented the Rams a chance for them to come within three of CSM. They arrived at the Bulldogs 2 yard line on third and goal, and looked poised to score when the quarterback was sacked for a loss of 13. The Rams then had to settle for a field goal at the 32 yard line, which City College kicker Odhran Kenny missed wide left.
The Rams defense struggled to prevent the Bulldogs from advancing on them all game, letting up 4 touchdowns and 279 total yards, though they did commit some solid plays to tape, particularly in the second quarter when CSM missed two field goals, and in 4:43 minutes, City College forced CSM back 16 yards to make it second and 26 at the CSM 29.
Defensive back Chikala Warden Jr. had two solo tackles and one assisted on the game to go along with a pass breakup.
“You know we lost, so I'm not too proud about that. But you know there’s always room for improvement,” Warden said. “I'm just glad that I was able to make the plays.”
City College has only two games left in the regular season, their next game will be away against Foothill College on Oct. 31. Nuño remains confident in the possibility of a playoff berth despite the loss.
“After we review the film on Monday, you know we just have to move on and just get ready for the next game because we still have an opportunity,” Nuño said. “We got to keep these players motivated and ready to go.”
