The Los Medanos College Mustangs’ football team ends their season at .500 as they defeated the Mendocino Eagles on the road 29-12 Saturday, Nov. 14.
The game began as LMC’s kicker Blessing Wainiwheh sent they ball off 59 yards to Mendo’s six-yard line. Eagles running back Joceice Cannon returned it 39 yards to their own 45-yard line. Mendocino failed to find their way into Mustang territory and were forced to punt to LMC’s defensive back Raymond Garcia who picked up two-yards and was brought down inside Mustang area at the 11.
Los Medanos found themselves changing from starting quarterback Gabe Taylor, to backup quarterback Jacob Hurt with 3:12 left in the first quarter. Even with the change, neither team found their way into the endzone. The game was tied at nill entering the second quarter.
In the beginning of the second quarter, running back Billy Wells found himself rushing play after play in order to gain yardage. The rushing proved successful as LMC positioned themselves for a field goal at fourth and goal at the Eagles 10 yard line. The field goal attempt was unsuccessful, however, as Wainiwheh missed wide left.
The failed field goal attempt ramped up the Eagles as their defensive back Robert Moore intercepted Hurt at Mendocino’s 28-yard line.
With possession on the opposite side, the ball was quickly turned back to LMC as Mendocino was blocked from advancing farther than the Mustang’s 48.
Once again, LMC has possession of the ball, but Hunt was intercepted once again by defensive back Brandon Mills who ran it into the endzone, giving his team a 6-0 edge.
This was enough to light a fire under the Mustangs, as they scored two touchdowns in the second quarter. The first was a five-yard scamper by Wells and the second was a fumble recovery by LMC’s Elijah Iakopo that led to an Angelo Moore touchdown reception that have them a 13-6 lead heading into the half.
The Eagles fought back in the third quarter as Mendocino’s quarterback Kylar Sharp completed a pass to running back David Chenault who ran into the endzone, closing the game gap 13-12.
LMC answered in the fourth quarter as Hurt and Moore proved to be a dynamic duo combining for a 51-yard catch-and-run score that gave the Mustangs a 7-point lead, 19-12.
With 9:34 remaining in the game, Sharp completed a pass to wide receiver Jamilo Whitten to midfield. He fumbled and the ball was recovered by LMC’s defensive back Alex Bazan who returned it for a score.
A field goal by Wainiwheh closed out a 16-0 final quarter for the Mustangs, putting a solid finishing touch on their .500 season.
“I thought our win against Mendocino on Saturday was a great team win,” said Mustangs head coach Chris Shipe. “Our defense did a great job of neutralizing their offense and made them very predictable. Our special teams did well throughout and didn’t allow big plays. The offense made plays at important times during the game which gave us a chance to be victorious as a group.”
As for an overall look at the season, Shipe praised his team as they came in ready to work each practice, which he said, “Is all that you can ask for.”
The offseason is looking exciting for the Mustangs as Shipe said that is when new bonds are created.
“Definitely looking forward to the offseason, getting back into the weight room and putting in the work as a group to get bigger, faster and stronger. Also looking forward to the recruiting season to bring in quality student-athletes to join our program,” said Shipe. “The offseason will also allow our current freshmen to be leaders on and off the field. This will be their opportunity to lead this program into the 2016 season.”