As the temperature and sun dropped on Friday, the energy increased on both sides of the Joe Debely Stadium. The Pit Crew quickly filled, with excited students who wore the camouflage and red clover shirts to show support for the Varsity football team. A loud roar of cheers started in the last thirty seconds of the Junior Varsity congratulating them on an undefeated season, crowning them as CCC champions. What’s more is they started off the night with a triumphant win against their cross town rivals, the Turlock Bulldogs, varsity would be wished the same amount of luck.
Both the Pride and Bulldogs walked out with a fierce intensity and lots of support in the crowded stands. The Pit Crew screamed with surprise as the team walked out in brand new Under Armor camouflage jerseys; the famous, subtle red shamrock displayed near the top. Finally the unique t- shirts that had been sold the weeks before the game made perfect sense.
The kickoff started a game that held multiple surprises. Brandon Esquivel played a great game, especially after having to step up and help his team out after their main quarterback, Sean Downs, who suffered an injury some few weeks ago. A.J. Derr made three field goals, one of which surpassed his personal best, and he completed five of eleven passes. Brent Nelle made the one touchdown of the game after a 34 yard pass to Zach Olsen by Derr. The entire game both teams fought to maintain the lead. The Pride was behind 10-13 in the last minute and fifty seconds in the third quarter, when Derr kicked a 35- yard field goal, putting the Pride in an extremely tight position to try and pull ahead. In the last quarter of the game Pitman had to be on their toes, and with 9 minutes left, Derr kicked yet another 25- yard field goal, giving the Pride the upper hand.
The crowd stood up and started congratulating the Pride with about a minute left in the game, but anticipation swept the entire stadium when the Bulldogs had a chance to make a 27-yard field goal with an agonizing three seconds remaining. As the deciding field goal was kicked, the stadium was filled with anxious excitement. The Bulldogs missed the field goal, sparking an immediate celebration on the stands of the Pride.
The Pride’s victory over the Bulldogs was the sixth Harvest Bowl win, and also secured them in second place for CCC. Though their only loss was to Buhach Colony, this victory gave them have the opportunity to host their playoff game next week: Friday, November 11th.
