Jaguars Lose a Gritty Battle Against the Cosairs 30-21
The SJCC Jaguars traveled over 300 miles to take on the College of the Redwoods Corsairs in Eureka. The Jags put up a gritty fight but notched their first loss of the season.
San Jose City College took the Redwoods in Arcata in a highly competitive matchup. This clash showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, but ultimately, the Redwoods grabbed the win with a final score of 30-21.
First Quarter: A Battle of Early Scores
The game began with San Jose making an impressive statement on their opening drive. Quarterback Will Augenstein showcased his versatility with an 18-yard rushing touchdown, supported by Isaias Lopez-Garcia's successful extra point, putting SJCC ahead 7-0 just over two minutes into the game.
However, the Redwoods were quick to respond. Just over a minute later, Bryton Livingston connected with Jaydan Burns for a stunning 53-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 7-7. The explosive play indicated the Redwoods' offensive capabilities and set the tone for a high-scoring affair.
Second Quarter: Momentum Swings
The second quarter saw the Redwoods temporarily take control of the game. At 12:26, Livingston found Isaiah Hemmings for a 42-yard touchdown, giving the Redwoods a 14-7 lead after Ryan Thomas's successful extra point. With momentum shifting in favor of the Redwoods, SJCC needed to respond.
San Jose answered back with determination. Midway through the quarter, Augenstein threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Axel Garcia, tying the game at 14-14. This drive was crucial for SJCC, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
The scoring didn't stop there. As the second quarter wound down, Augenstein showcased his dual-threat capability again, rushing for another 5-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 21-14. With their defense and special teams working well, SJCC went into halftime with a slim lead, showing promise for the second half.
Third Quarter: Redwoods Find Their Rhythm
As the third quarter unfolded, the Redwoods emerged strong, determined to regain the lead. Jordyn Bowers scored on a 9-yard run, tying the game at 21-21. This drive, lasting over four minutes and featuring strong ground game execution, reflected the Redwoods' ability to adapt and succeed against the SJCC defense.
Fourth Quarter: Redwoods Clinch the Game
The final quarter saw the tension escalate as both teams fought for dominance. At 4:28, Isaiah Hemmings added to his impressive performance by rushing for a 6-yard touchdown, giving Redwoods a 28-21 lead. The Redwoods' offensive line was instrumental, providing the necessary protection for their quarterback and paving the way for Hemmings. In a dramatic conclusion, San Jose could not mount a successful drive, and with just over a minute left in the game, the Redwoods secured a team safety, bringing the final score to 30-21.
Key Players and Performances
San Jose City College:
Will Augenstein had a standout game, contributing both in the air and on the ground with two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.
Axel Garcia was also a significant contributor with a touchdown reception that helped keep SJCC in the game.
The San Jose CC and Redwoods game was a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and resilience. With the Redwoods improving to a record of 3-1 and San Jose dropping to 2-1, both teams demonstrated their competitive spirit and potential for the remainder of the season.