Varsity looks good, but looses to Nipomo in the fourth quarter
Coach Gomez: “We will get better”
By Brian D. Wilson
Sports
Published: September 15, 2004
The Cardinal varsity football team played well Friday night, matching the visiting Nipomo Titans touchdown for touchdown until half time.
Santa Paula scored first in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Jon Duran moved the ball in seven carries to within a few yards of the goal line and quarterback Anthony Bavero passed the ball to Spencer Fox for the TD. The extra point kick was good, giving them a 7-0 lead.
Nipomo answered with a TD a few minutes later but their point after attempt failed. Neither side scored again until midway through the second quarter when Jon Duran took the ball 54 yards into the end zone. The Cards led 14-6 going into the half-time break.
The Titans moved ahead in the third quarter with two TDs. The Cards could only manage a two-point field goal from Robert Perez.
The Cardinals struggled through the fourth quarter, obviously worn down by the constant pressure from Nipomo. The Titans put 14 more points on the scoreboard to ensure their victory.
Head Coach Ed Gomez said every member of the team and staff is disappointed that they lost the game. “However, there were several positives, he added. “The offense, Jon Duran in particular, did an outstanding job of running the football. We rushed for over 200 yards. Our kicking game was perfect. We are excited to have a kicker with a strong and accurate leg. We made a lot of mistakes, which isn’t uncommon in a first game. The mistakes we made are correctable. I was pleased with our effort. We are a young team, and we will get better.”
