A 59-yard pass from sophomore quarterback David Pittman to wide receiver David Reed on the first play from scrimmage was all the offense needed for PCC, as the defense held Golden West College to 177 total yards in their 34-0 victory Saturday, their first shutout since 2000.While the Lancers (4-0) offense opened with two touchdown drives, the defense held the Rustlers (2-2) to three and outs on their first three drives and forced six over all.
Pasadena also stopped three crucial fourth down opportunities by Golden West in Lancer territory.
After allowing an average of 29.7 points in their first three games, the Lancer defense, led by freshman nose tackle Zach Falldorf’s two sacks and five tackles, sacked starting Rustler quarterback Les Obie five times, holding him to only 8 of 21 passing. The Rustler running game was also held in check, averaging only 2.2 yards per carry.
The Lancers, who entered the game ranked sixth in the COA/CCCFCA Regional Football Poll, were also productive on offense.
Pittman led the Lancers in rushing for the third game in a row, with 78 yards on 11 carries. He also went 21 for 34 for 224 yards with two touchdowns through the air; his only blunder was an interception deep in Rustler territory in the third quarter.
Pittman’s most frequented target, standout wide receiver Reed had 6 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.
PCC improved on its penalty problems from the previous three games, committing a relatively low 10 penalties for 60 yards.
One downside to the win was PCC’s continuing kicking issues, as freshman kicker Gabe Tuata missed two extra points and the Lancers attempted multiple fourth down plays when they were in normal field goal position.
Lancer kickers have missed seven extra points on the season and have yet to make a field goal, attempting only one on the season, in their 53-27 win over Southwestern College.
After winning at LeBard stadium in Costa Mesa for the second week in a row, the Lancers have their toughest challenge this week, against Palomar College.
The Comets (4-0) are tied for first with the Lancers in the Mission Conference’s National division and are ranked third in the Regional Football Poll.
The Lancers face the Comets on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Robinson Stadium.
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