M&Ms Backfield A Treat In Football Rout Over West LA

The M&Ms--running backs Micah Mendoza and Mohammad Maali--propelled the offense as the state #24-ranked Pasadena City College football team totaled 49 first-half points on its way to a 56-14 rout over West Los Angeles at Robinson Stadium on Saturday night.

Mendoza scored on touchdown runs of 16, 14, and 14 yards and Maali led the running attack and added a 1-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter as PCC improved to 2-0 in SCFA play.

Maali finished with 71 yards in 17 carries while Mendoza was a beast with 51 yards in just six touches as the two kept moving the chains, helping the Lancers earn 22 first downs. PCC amassed 279 of its 430  total offensive yards in the first half 

Another initiated M&M member but at wide receiver Maddux Mateski also hit paydirt with a 7-yard TD catch from quarterback Kaden Taylor. 

The M's were a theme throughout the game as quarterback Gianni Mascolino completed 7-of-9 passes for 138 yards, including TD passes of 42 yards to Flip Fox and the toss to Maali, Greg Moore had a 35-yard reception, Deven Muniz made two catches for 21 yards, and Jamir Mitchell played well on defense with four tackles and a pass break-up. 

Starting at quarterback, Taylor also had a big game as he completed 8-for-15 for 87 yards and added three carries for 58 yards. 

Defensively, Kyden Bailey and JaMir Allen made interceptions while Ethan Bowser posted a team-high seven tackles. 

Three different kickers scored on extra points in Nico Razo (3-for-3), Ozlo Rigby (2-for-2) and Dylan Benitez (1-for-2). Rigby had four touchbacks on kickoffs and two punts for a 42-yard average. In the second quarter following Mateski's TD, holder Nathan Noguez-Estrada made a heads up play to score a 2-point conversion run on a free play as West LA was called for offside during the extra point attempt. 

Jordan Rodriguez led the receivers with three receptions (35 yards) and added 54 yards in five punt returns. More M's got into the act as Joshua Meza ran twice for 10 yards while his brother Jonathan Meza made three tackles.

The Lancers (2-0) will host College of the Desert next Saturday, Sept. 28 in a 6 p.m. kickoff. Prior to the game, PCC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PCC Hall of Fame 1974 Lancers undefeated football team with members of the squad participating in a pre-game ceremony.