Cleo Bates ran through the Arcadia defense. Photo by Anne Cypress.
(Arcadia, Ca) – Pasadena was able to do something that hadn’t been done in 10 years when they upset Arcadia 19-14 in a Pacific League clash.
The Bulldogs showed a resiliency that hasn’t been seen on the east side of Pasadena for the last few years as they withstood a late drive by the Apaches to stay undefeated in league play.
“It has been a long time since we beat Arcadia,” said Pasadena head coach Mike McFarland. “For them to end the streak and come from behind. The way we were able to score on that drive and keep them (Arcadia) from scoring is huge.”
The Bulldogs improved to 3-2 and 2-0 in league, while Arcadia dropped to 1-3-1 and 1-1 in league.
“It hurts,” said Arcadia head coach Joe Dimalante. “We just didn’t get it done. Some of our young players grew up tonight. I don’t think we executed well, give Pasadena lots of credit as well.”
After Arcadia scored on a Myles Carr one-yard run to take the lead in the fourth quarter with 8:11 to play, the Bulldogs began their comeback drive.
On the ensuing kickoff, Cleo Bates returned the ball 38-yards to give Pasadena favorable field position on their own 44-yard line. After a two-yard run by Nick Escoe, quarterback Aaron Simpson found Christopher Hollis for 13 yards to get inside the Arcadia 26-yard line.
Charles Hendricks would then run up the left sideline for a 17-yard gain. One play later, Hendricks would dance his way into the end zone for the go-ahead score with 5:29 to play.
That left enough time for the Apaches to mount their frenzied drive that saw running back Rodney Arnett get injured on the second play of the drive after a four-yard run that set up Arcadia on the Pasadena 48-yard line. Sophomore quarterback Myles Carr they found Taylor Legace for four-yards and Jason Mach for two-seven yard plays to get to the Bulldog 23-yard line. Arnett then returned and ran 13-yards to get inside the Pasadena 10-yard line.
Aaron Simpson (4-left) and Rodney Arnett (5-right) battled each other all night. Photo by Anne Cypress.
That is when the Bulldogs defense got tough and made two straight plays that became a nightmare for Arcadia as Arnett was tacked for a 11-yard loss and Carr was sacked by Christopher Connell for a 17-yard loss. Carr made one final attempt to win the game with a long pass into the end zone was not catchable.
For Pasadena, Bates carried 11 times for 66 yards and one touchdown, while the revolving quarterback carousel of Simpson and Darren Osbern went six of 12 for 102 yards.
Arnett did a yeoman’s job of running the ball for the Apaches as he carried the ball 30 times for 104 yards and a touchdown.
The game was sloppily played by both teams as Arcadia committed five turnovers (4 interceptions and a fumble) and the Bulldogs coughed it up four times (an interception and three fumbles)
“From an execution stand point this game left a lot to be desired,” said McFarland of all the turnovers. “the only thing we feel good about is the fact we are still undefeated.”
PHS's Leal Immanuel is all smiles as Bulldogs go 2-0. Photo by Anne Cypress.
Pasadena safety Marcus Green returned an interception 49-yards for a touchdown midway through the first quarter.
1 2 3 4 F
Pasadena 6 7 0 6 19
Arcadia 0 7 0 7 14
SCORING:
P – Marcus Green 49 interception return (kick failed)
A – Rodney Arnett 5 run (Gavin Carpenter kick)
P – Cleo Bates 2 run (Alex Rosas kick)
A – Myles Carr 1 run (Carpenter kick)
P – Charles Hendricks 9 run (pass failed)
Leave a Reply