Coaches Still Undecided With Starting Quarterback

PCC football put up its first win against East Los Angeles College last week, but a huge question mark still remains for the Lancers: Who will be starting quarterback?The answer for this week, against Riverside Community College, will be the versatile Eldrin Jones, who also moonlights as a wide receiver and kick/punt returner.

“[Jones] puts us in the best situation [to win],” Interim Head Coach James Kuk said. “He gives us another dimension, has escapability, and can make things happen with his feet.”

Jones hasn’t started yet this year, but played most of week two’s match-up against El Camino-Compton Center, throwing for 240 yards and a touchdown on 13-of-21 passing.

Even though Jones is the starter this week, Kuk said the decision on full-time starter is still undecided.

“We’re using the games before [conference play] to evaluate each player,” Kuk said.

Kuk also stressed that the three-man rotation that has been present in every game so far will be gone soon.

Against East L.A. on Saturday, Jonathan Troast started his first game of the year, and showed some big play potential. Troast had a solid game statistically, with 287 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 17-of-31 passing, but was often bailed out by great catches from his receivers, most notably Owen Dixon. The East L.A. defense wasn’t all that stout either.

The trio of quarterbacks is rounded out by Nick Ponce, the opening day starter against Mt. San Antonio College, who Head Coach Kenny Lawler said at the beginning of the season was “his guy.” Ponce echoed Kuk’s sentiment on evaluation.

“The plan is for each of us to start,” Ponce said. “Then they will evaluate the situation and go from there.”

Ponce’s debut came against a tough Mt. SAC team that pressured him throughout the game. He passed for 220 yards and an interception on 17-of-30 passing. Troast replaced Ponce at halftime of the Mt. SAC game, but Ponce quickly returned after three unsuccessful drives by Troast.

Against East L.A., Jones and Ponce both made appearances at quarterback. Jones threw only one pass, that fell incomplete, while Ponce completed both of his passes for 56 yards.

What may sum up the situation best is a comment Ponce made regarding his potential to be named starter.

“To be honest, I don’t have a clue,” Ponce said.