RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers dropped their Metro League opener at home against visiting West Park 64-14 on Sept. 19 inside Lancer Stadium. 

It was clear that the football game was going to be a challenge from opening play, when Panthers' (2-3 overall, 1-0 Metro League) senior tailback Deacon Ogden took the first play from scrimmage 68 yards to the endzone on a rush up the right sideline.

Ogden would add another rushing score from one yard out midway through the first quarter to put the Lancers (1-3 overall, 0-1 Metro League) in an early double-digit deficit. Cordova junior quarterback Trey Wallace would score the first of his two rushing touchdowns from one yard out on the next Lancers' possession to make it a one possession game, and it appeared that Cordova was building some momentum.

Head coach JP Dolliver addresses his squad after the game. Photo by Rick Sloan

West Park would march downfield on the ensuing drive and reach the Lancers' 7-yard line before Panthers' junior tailback Declan Shindelbower fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Lancers' linebacker Gino David. The positive play would be short lived however, as Wallace bobbled a bad snap from under center and batted the ball out of bounds while still in the Lancers' own end zone, resulting in a safety. 

West Park added 28 more points in the second quarter, with Cordova unable to sustain any drives offensively. Wallace would add his second scoring scamper late in the first half along with a gritty run for a two-point conversion afterward, but that would be all for the Lancers on the scoreboard for the evening. West Park would continue to add points throughout the second half to come away with the victory in the Metro League opener for both teams. 

For the Panthers, senior quarterback Jaden Jackson was efficient, going 11-of-14 passing for 230 yards and four touchdowns to lead West Park. The aforementioned Ogden recorded 90 yards on his eight carries, including his two first quarter scoring runs. For the Lancers, Wallace went 2-of-10 passing for 53 yards and an interception. Both of his completions went to senior wide receiver Damajae Moses, who also drew a handful of pass interference penalties when Wallace made attempts to get him the ball downfield. On the ground, Wallace led Cordova with 12 carries for 43 yards and his two scores.

Senior wide receiver Damajae Moses catches a long pass from quarterback Trey Wallace against West Park. Photo by Rick Sloan

"I thought we were pretty aggressive early but took our foot off the gas pedal a couple times," Lancer’s head coach JP Dolliver said after the game. "Especially with some of our coverages. They made some reads and we gave them some free points. We took some plays off unfortunately and they capitalized on it, and it exacerbated the score towards the end of the first half. That was the story."

The Lancers will have the opportunity to return to the win column when they travel to Kennedy on Sept. 26. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Speaking to his team after the loss to West Park, Dolliver's message was clear.

"It was a tough game but let's focus on the next two weeks," Dolliver referenced afterward. "There's still a path. We knew West Park was going to be a tough team and it was going to be a tough game. I don't mind losing a tough game, but it's when we give them a few free things that it gets a little disappointing. I told them we've got 24 hours to think about it and then we move on. We go into Kennedy and McClatchy who we both beat last year. They're going to be better, they're better coached this year, and they're going to look at us as an opportunity. We're going to have our hands full."