In what is believed to be the first Thursday Night game in school history, the Glendale Community College Vaqueros easily took down the LA Pierce College Brahmas 34-13 in their first league game to increase their winning streak to three at Satoris Field on Oct. 12.
The Vaqueros defense shined, despite being on the field for more than half the game, they only allowed 13 total points. The Brahmas were moving the ball really well but were constantly stood up by the Vaquero defense. The Brahmas were alternating quarterbacks throughout the game, with Brahman quarterback Kadyn Park being the primary option for pocket passing plays while Maquel Henderson subbed in for quarterback runs and options which required a more mobile quarterback. These adjustments were no match for the Vaquero defensive line. Glendale got to the quarterback six total times, with defensive lineman Jeff Isenhart getting two sacks and blocking a field goal late in the second quarter. This resilient defensive effort allowed the Vaquero offense to shine.
Offensive consistency was key for the Vaqueros on Thursday. Glendale scored touchdowns on five of their 11 drives, with all scores being through Quarterback Dylan Hassid, who had an exceptional game. He completed 14 of his 23 passes accumulating for 291 passing yards and five total touchdowns, four being through the air and one on the ground. This has been Glendale’s best offensive game this season, attaining 406 yards of total offense. Shade Schaefer was the game’s leading receiver, reeling in a season high 141 receiving yards and ending the game with a touchdown. The freshman wide receiver and return specialist has been seeing a lot more of the field as the season has been progressing. With starting the season as the second kick returner, his improvement is hard not to see. With all this added attention coming off of a breakout game, Schaefer made it clear that words don’t mean much to him. He added, “I just go out there and do my job like I do every day.” The Vaqueros did their job Thursday night, even with the adjustments throughout the game, Pierce College had no answer for Glendale.
The Vaqueros will aim to extend their winning streak to four against rivals L.A. Valley College, which Schaefer added, “Going into a rivalry game like Valley, we’re definitely going to be hungry.” The two sides will face off on Saturday, October 21st, at L.A. Valley.
Alec Shirvanian can be reached at [email protected]