State # 17-ranked Pasadena City College football team thought it would pull off the road victory with a 12-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but #12 Cerritos had other plans as the Falcons scored a pair of touchdowns, including a 7-yard end zone run by Jeremiah Calvin with 2:35 left to defeat the Lancers, 36-35, on Saturday night.
The Lancers (3-4, 1-3 in SCFA Central League play) have lost their four games by a combined margin of just 21 points as they have been highly competitive in all seven contests this season since joining the National Division after the program spent 10 years in the lower level American Division.
Cerritos (6-1) is now in a 3-way tie with #2 Golden West and #9 Fullerton for first place in the Central League.
PCC again had a strong performance by quarterback Xavier Buckles, who completed 20 of 29 passes for 290 yards with TD throws of 59 yards to tight end Javery Mayberry on the final play of the first quarter and a 48 yards to receiver Cam Mitchell late in the second period. The Lancers led 21-10 by halftime.
Buckles scored on a 13-yard TD scamper 2:54 into the fourth quarter and Zack Hutchinson's fifth extra point kick made it 35-23 before Cerritos' furious late rally. After the Falcons grabbed the 1-point lead, PCC had one last opportunity as Buckles connected with Maddux Mateski down the right sideline, where he appeared to break free from Cerritos cornerback Max Rankin's tackle. However, Rankin was able to punch the ball away from behind for a fumble and recovered the ball at the Cerritos 25-yard line to end PCC's chances with 1:20 left.
Mayberry caught six passes for 121 yards and Mateski made five receptions for 65 yards. On the ground, PCC had a big night from running back Noah Triplett, who totaled 98 yards in 17 carries, including a 16-yard TD run in the third quarter. Buckles added eight carries for 48 yards while Dom Ezeonye ran for a 5-yard TD in the first quarter.
The Lancers outgained the Falcons, 463-416 in total offense. Cerritos caused three turnovers, however, two on interceptions. The first pickoff was good for a 42-yard touchdown return by Lamarr Stephens that opened the game's scoring.
Defensively for PCC, Jasun Ridley led the team with seven tackles and a sack while both Sione Suliafu and Gabriel Sulaiman also recorded sacks.
Tripplet totaled 186 all-purpose yards, including a 67-yard kick return that set up PCC's first touchdown.
Pasadena returns to play their final regular season at Robinson Stadium on Lancer Legacy Night, facing Fullerton College this Saturday, Oct. 25 in a 6 p.m. kickoff.