SBCC stunned GCC in the opening game back from the pandemic. After an almost two-year drought of live football, GCC welcomed back football fans to Sartoris Field for the Vaqueros first home game against the Santa Barbara Community College Vaqueros on Oct. 2.  Despite their efforts, the GCC team suffered their second loss of the season, dropping their record to 1-2. 

The battle of the Vaqueros kicked off at 7 p.m. with the stands nearly full as GCC debuted their Athletics Pep Band.

The game started at a slow pace, with the first quarter of the game-ending scoreless. In the second quarter, Nick Johnson managed to catch a touchdown pass from quarterback Nick Garcia, putting the home team in the lead with 35 seconds remaining. The half ended with a score of 6-0 as Andy Kozanian failed the kick for the point. 

In the second half, it was not too long until Santa Barbara struck back with a successful field goal by Jorge Figueroa to make the score 3-6. Santa Barbara continued the momentum and took the lead for the first time in the game after scoring a touchdown. SBCC offensive linemen Jericho-Jon Fos caught a 25-yard pass from Trenton Luera into the end zone bringing Santa Barbara up 10-6. 

Glendale attempted to flip the game back into their favor, but Santa Barbara scored another touchdown to strengthen their lead. Glendale attempted to win some points when quarterback Berry Buxton II threw an interception for a 75-yard interception return. The visiting Vaquero’s pick-six sealed the game as they won their 3rd straight game to improve their record 3-1, as GCC drops to 1-2. 

Glendale handed the ball over six times, three times on fumbles and three times on interceptions. GCC suffered a setback after a postponement of its Sept. 25 game at College of the Desert due to Covid-19 issues and health limitations limiting team practice time. Despite the loss, running back  Kevin Armstead rushed for a game-high of 114 yards on 19 carries. 

Glendale will look to bounce back at their next away game against Citrus College on Sat., Nov. 6. 

To learn more about GCC athletics, visit: https://gccathletics.com/landing/index

Armen Nalbandyan can be reached at: [email protected]