The Big Red defense stops Valley runner for short gain. Photo by Rick Sloan

 

 RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On October 6th, the Cordova Lancers traveled to Cosumnes River College to take on the Vikings of Valley High School. Both teams had identical records. Both teams had lost their first league game played. Cordova lost to Foothill and Valley fell to Johnson. Both teams prepared all week for the contest. One team came more prepared than the other. That team was your Cordova Lancers as they defeated the Vikings by a score of 33-8.

 The Lancers led from the very start as they scored three unanswered touchdowns in the first half. The first two touchdowns were scored by Cordova’s big, 6-foot 4-inch tailback Jabari Davis. The first score was a short run up the middle and the second score was on a short burst around the left side. The third score came on a 34-yard pass reception to a wide-open sophomore Damajae Moses from senior Jayden Ryce. The other two touchdowns were scored in the second half. Junior tailback Elijah Wallace scored the fourth TD on an 8-yard run around the right side.  Senior running back Aleksey Medvedev scored the game’s final touchdown on a 14-yard run around the left behind the blocking of sophomore offensive tackle Anthony Gomez. Senior place kicker Rodrigo Gonzalez kicked three successful PAT’s.

The Lancers’ running game just about dominated the entire match as the 4 main rushers for Cordova combined for 291 yards in 25 carries. That’s an average of 11.64 yards per carry. Davis ran for 89 yards in 8 carries, Ryce ran for 88 yards in 5 carries, Wallace ran for 71 yards in 7 carries and Medvedev ran for 43 yards in 5 carries.

On defense the Lancers made stops when they needed them forcing the Vikings to punt or unsuccessfully try to convert 4th down and short for a first down.  Leading the charge for the Lancers were senior Khamani Williams, senior Nezziah Poole-Alston, junior Armani Curtis, sophomore Julian Drahn and senior Ruvim Kravchuk. Also fresh off the injury list after missing 2 games was senior Michael Brown. Brown had 3 solo tackles with one being a quarterback sack for a 4-yard loss. Senior Diego Cisneros also had a quarterback sack for a 10-yard loss.

Head Coach JP Dolliver stated that this game was definitely the most polished and disciplined the team has played this season. “I was very impressed that our guys kept their composure when things got a little chippy. We will need that restraint as we go through this year and into the next. We played a complete game for the first time. Very encouraging,” said coach Dolliver.  I believe the “chippiness” that coach Dolliver was referring to was when the Vikings were flagged for some unsportsmanlike conduct penalties because some of their players were taunting our players. Our players chose not to reciprocate.

All in all, our guys played with heart and good judgment the entire game. All the coaches were very pleased with the team’s performance, the cheer squad was very happy, and the fans enjoyed a fantastic game. 

On October 20, Cordova High will celebrate the 60th Homecoming game at Lancer Stadium against Natomas. The stadium will be filled with 6 decades of Cordova alumni. During halftime there will be a performance of the Cordova Marching Band directed by Kevin Sims, an alumni parade and the crowning of the different class royalty. Also, you can enjoy the cheer squad and some goodies from Mama Vaughan’s snack bar.

On October 27, it will be Senior Night as we take on Johnson. Come on out and cheer your Big Red Lancer’s on to victory. Game time is 7:00 pm. Tickets are available on GoFan.co.

GO BIG RED!

 Damajae Moses on a short pass against Valley. Photo by Rick Sloan