Laney advances to state championship
Eagles move one game away from first title in college’s history
by Eva Hannan
For the first time in Laney College history, (or at least since 1997 when the current North-South divisions and playoff structure began) the Eagles have advanced to the California Community Colleges Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championship.
The Eagles are 10–2 on the season and will play the Ventura College Pirates (11–1) on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1 p.m. at Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College.
On its home turf, Ventura has outscored opponents nearly 2–1, or 197–151, but on the road the numbers tell a different story. The Pirates have outscored their opponents only 151–125 and suffered their single loss away from home.
Laney won the Northern California Regional title game, 24–7, when The Eagles beat Fresno City College at home on Nov. 24.
“The CCCAA 2018 NorCal Championship is a testament to the Eagles’ spirit that has the courage to soar above any circumstances,” Laney College President Dr. Tammeil Y. Gilkerson said in a public information statement email sent out after the win.
Laney’s offense against the Rams started with Laney gaining 50 yards in only seven plays before sophomore quarterback Jordan Brookshire scored the first touchdown on a 2-yard run with 1:52 left in the first quarter.
The Rams bounced back to tie the score 7–7 before Laney took the lead for good with a recovered fumble by Bulewa Byrd in the end zone with 2:38 left in the first half.
The Eagles did not let the score stay tied for long, and continued their ability to outscore the opposing team handily. Laney has scored a total of 442 points so far this season while allowing their opponents only 186 points. In Nov., the Eagles outscored their opponents nearly five-to-one, or 115–24.
Isaak Parada kicked a 25-yard field goal to start off the scoring in the second half, and the Eagles scored again after an 11-play, 65-yard drive. Running back Harold Tidwell got the touchdown when he dove one yard into the endzone.
After a successful field goal by kicker Isaak Parada, the score remained 24–7 until the end of the game. Parada has had an outstanding second half with 20 successful field goals in 21 attempts since Oct. 27.
As usual, the defense was able to keep the opposing team scrambling for yardage, and they had a total of 10 tackles-for-losses resulting in 67 yards lost by the Rams.
Linebacker Armani Turner-Jenkins had a sack and 11 tackles, seven of which were solo. Linebackers Jahari Kay and Jack Lulz each had seven tackles.
In offense, John McDonald had 16 carries in the game for a total of 102 yards, while Brookshire carried the ball 11 times for 46 yards and one touchdown.
