Chaffey College Panthers vs. L.A. Pierce Brahmas
Chaffey College’s Panthers went against the LA Pierce Brahmas, and in dominant fashion earned their first win at home this year!
By Nathan Gosney
Jayson Cortes carrying the ball with players blocking his path. Photograph by Larry Mowery
Panther Football Team Home Opener - In Review
On Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, The Chaffey Panthers faced off against the LA Pierce Brahmas. With ease, Coach Chiaverini showed his passion, leadership and fire by leading the way for Chaffey's first win of the season. Chaffey beat the LA Pierce, 43-7.
Game Summary - First Half
In the first half, Chaffey heavily relied on the rushing attack, which was led by running back, Jayson Cortes. Cortes was completely dominant with 78 rushing yards in the first half, rushing through the gaps given to him by his offensive linemen. Refusing to run out of steam, Cortes was the main focus of the offense, breaking tackles every carry.
Though Cortes was dominant, there was plenty of miscommunication as penalties and interceptions occurred. The game was not completely over for the Brahmas, giving them some life.
This newfound life was short lived as Quarterback, Ian Eveleth, threw a touchdown to Running Back, Terryus Gibson. This touchdown came from Coach Chiaverini designing a screen pass for Gibson, which baited the defense into taking bad angles on the score from Gibson.
As the game continued, the play calling from Chiaverini got more diverse as the ground game had different motions, shifts, formations and calls. Keeping the defense on its toes, quarterback Dereun Dortch, throws two touchdown passes, one going for eleven yards from an out route to Corey Cabriales, and the other pass going for 30 yards to Dorion Levingst.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers were also dominant. Forcing multiple punts on the first few drives of the game from the Brahmas, then turning those defensive stops into turnovers, collecting two interceptions. Kenichi Dixon with the first and Malachi Dhanifu with the second, showing immense range and return ability on the interception. By the end of the half, Chaffey was up 26-0.
Game Summary - Second Half
Dereun Dortch carrying the ball, looking to make a move on a defender. Photograph by Larry Mowery
Chaffey started the second half with a fumble on the kickoff, giving good field position to the Brahmas. Chaffey then collected a sack from Isaiah Ezeani, who turned offensive tackles into turnstiles all game long, then that momentum led to another inception, this time by Syrano Ware. Ware showed great ability to return his interception, going for 61 yards, giving Chaffey good field position, and no points allowed.
The amazing defensive hold continued Chaffey’s momentum to the offense. Which led to a throw to Demajea Mitchel for 44 yards. After a short gain by Cortes, Eveleth takes a three-yard scamper to the endzone, scoring once again. Chaffey 33, LA Pierce, 0.
The Brahmas got their first bit of excitement, as in the middle of the third quarter, quarterback Maqael Hernderson, kept the ball and ran for 75 yards through three Chaffey defenders and took an angle to the sideline, speeding away from anyone in pursuit.
After the most electric run of the night, Chaffey did not let one play phase them. The offense of the Panthers went down the field and scored a field goal. The fourth quarter began, Chaffey was up 40-7. The Brahmas offense took the field and was shut down by the Chaffey pass rush and secondary.
Both teams went back and forth slowly running down the clock. Brahmas played to score while Chaffey was playing to finish the game out. The Panthers ended up getting another field goal, ending the game, with a final score of 43-7. Chaffey won easily over the LA Pierce, embarrassing them like it was a Varsity vs. Freshman game.
With success in the home opener, Chaffey is continuing their momentum on the road, defeating Santa Monica. The Panthers look to continue their success back at home against Pasadena City.