The Vaqueros season opener was a challenging start to the season, losing to the Fullerton College Hornets 38-0.
Over 200 people waited anxiously for the Vaqueros first game of the 2024 season. Looking out onto the beautiful field of La Playa Stadium in perfect football weather. Once the whistles sounded and the kickoff began, the 2024 season was officially underway.
The Vaqueros started the game with the ball and were forced with a quick with 4th and 1, where they ran a run-pass option (RPO) with Devin Phillips, converting the 4th down. Although the Vaqueros on the next down were forced to punt.
On the next Vaquero possession, they were faced with a 4th and 4 where quarterback Benni Collins completed a 6 yard pass to Luke Collins. Although to no avail, the Vaqueros were struck with a 4th and 10 on the next down where Benni Collins was sacked by defensive end Chris Harvey.
The Hornets quickly drove down the field and quarterback Toby Smith threw a 30 yard receiving touchdown to Desmond Duffy, for the first points of the game, making the score 7-0.
With 10 minutes left in the second quarter, The Hornets moved down the field easily again but the Vaqueros defense held strong on 3 and 10 near the goaline, with a huge deflection from Sean Mays. Forcing the Hornets to a field goal, the score was marked 17-0.
On the next Vaqueros possession quarterback Benni Collins completed a 18 yard running pass to Cameron Green, converting a big 3rd and 8. However, on the next play Benni Collins was sacked leading to a fumble, setting the Hornets up with great field position.
On the very next play, the Vaqueros showed their resilience with an interception by Ben Antoine, giving the Vaqueros the ball back.
The Vaqueros sideline erupted with emotion and the crowd roared with cheers.
Fullerton started the second half with the ball and just 3 plays into the second half, Cougar quarterback Toby Smith threw a 45 yard completion to Jahmeer Cartagena, setting the cougars up with first and goal. Soon after leading to another Hornets touchdown, the score was 24-0.
The Vaqueros were producing a nice drive until forced to go for it on 4th and 12 on the Hornets 32. The Vaqueros 4th time going for it on 4th down led to another Hornets sack, giving the Hornets the ball on their 41.
The Vaqueros continued playing very hard in the 4th quarter, showing no signs of quit as they put together a strong drive.
The Vaqueros made it down to the 11 yard line but were then faced with a 4th and 1. They would go for it and the Hornets pressure forced a strip sack on quarterback Benni Collins which was picked up by Hornets Fred Adams for a 75 yard scoop and score. The score was now 38-0.
The Vaqueros continued battling but were not able to produce any points on the board when the horn sounded, ending the game with a score of 38-0.
Even with the tough loss, head coach Craig Moropoulos highlighted how proud he was of his team and how they can move on to next week.
“These players have an incredible amount of heart, drive and desire,” said Moropoulous on his team’s performance. “A few plays got away from them and we didn’t convert a couple of plays, but we’ll be alright.”
Quarterback Benni Collins had the same message about what the Vaqueros can take from this game.
“What we can take from this is, we are a team that’s not going to give up, we’re a team that’s gonna keep working, no matter the situation we are going to play for each other,” Collins said. “That’s what we do.”
Correction: September 16, 2024
An earlier version of this story misidentified City College’s quarterback. The quarterback featured in the photo is Benni Collins (No. 11).
