Senior quarterback Terryn "TK" King throws a pass downfield on the run against Vallejo.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Cordova Lancers were handed their first loss of the season last Friday, Oct. 2 as they fell 24-13 against visiting Vallejo High School. 

For Cordova (4-1 overall), the game had a ton of build-up as not only was it the Lancers' Homecoming game, it was also billed as KCRA Channel 3's "Game of The Week." Unfortunately for Cordova, all that build-up only resulted in a bigger letdown as the RedHawks (1-4 overall) took home the win in what was their first victory of the season. 

The Lancers led 13-10 halfway through the third quarter after senior quarterback Terryn "TK" King scored on a two-yard keeper. That was the second touchdown King accounted for in the contest for Cordova, coming after a three-yard scoring strike to senior running back Zachary McIntire in the first quarter. That was where things stalled for Cordova, however.

Senior Masiyah Mejia (left) and senior Trey Wallace (right) latch on to the Vallejo ball carrier.

On the RedHawks’ ensuing drive, junior running back Donovan Williams needed just one play to hit paydirt following an 80-yard touchdown run up the right sideline after nearly going down by the hands of two Cordova tacklers. He would keep his balance and finish the long jaunt to put Vallejo ahead, a lead that they would not relinquish. The play of Williams primarily in the second half appeared to be one of the biggest differences in the game for Cordova when it came down to the outcome. 

"We hadn't seen him on film," Lancer’s Head Coach JP Dolliver said of the play of Williams for Vallejo. "I assume he's a transfer that got eligible. That's a tough thing because you don't gameplan for a kid that you don't really know. That was definitely a factor, and he is a good back, but we didn't tackle very well either. We just didn't wrap up like we have been."

The Lancers would go three-and-out on their next two offensive possessions going into the early fourth quarter, and after Vallejo junior quarterback Keyno Brown scored on a two-yard run with just under eight minutes remaining, the game would be essentially put on ice as Cordova's offense was unable to muster a comeback. 

Senior running back Trey Wallace takes the hand off from Terryn "TK" King and follows his blockers down field for a long gain.

For Vallejo, it was all about the remarkable performance from Williams, who finished with 15 carries for 221 yards and two touchdowns. The Lancers were led by senior running back Zach McIntire, who compiled an impressive 12 carries for 136 yards on the ground and an additional three receptions for 21 yards, including his first quarter scoring reception. King would go 6-of-11 passing for 53 yards with one touchdown and one interception through the air, in addition to his rushing score in the third quarter. It should also be noted that Lancers' senior Omari Harrell was arguably the most active defender on the night for Cordova, however his final stats were not available at press time. 

The Lancers will now shift their focus towards Metro League play, which begins this week. For Dolliver and the team, they will take the Vallejo loss as a teaching moment as something that can help get them ready for the gauntlet of tough league games coming up. 

"I think you have to look at it that way," Dolliver said. "I would say it's a good wake-up call. We have to have better days of practice, we have to have better focus and our preparation needs to be a little bit better. We can internally look at ourselves and ask what can we do better?"

The Lancers will go on the road this Friday, Oct. 9 when they face league rival West Park at 7:15 p.m. in the Metro League opener for both teams.

Senior Omari Harrell brings down the Vallejo quarterback in the backfield for a sack.