Fans were flipping out over the Flip Fox show as the sophomore transfer wide receiver scored three dynamic touchdowns to lead the Pasadena City College football team past host Santa Ana, 46-28, Saturday night in the Lancers 2024 SCFA season opener.
Fox, a bounce back from Colorado State University and a local product of Pasadena High, scored his TDs in the first half on a 66-yard race down the sideline after taking a short slant pass from quarterback Kaden Taylor, a 22-yard pass across the middle from Gianni Mascolino, and a 92-yard kick return, as he finished with 217 all-purpose yards.
The kick return TD allowed PCC to take a 24-7 halftime lead.
The Lancers played their second and third string lineups in the second half and while Santa Ana mounted some offense in the final 30 minutes, PCC also had many big plays on defense throughout the contest.
PCC's defense accounted for four interceptions and six sacks as Jachai Pulley was a force with six tackles (five solo), a 47-yard interception return, a sack and a pass break-up. Torriq Brumfield (a sack and a QB hurry) and Kyden Bailey each led the squad with eight tackles while Eli Moulton (42-yard return), Dominic Grand and Ivan Can all had pickoffs. Sione Suliafu added 1.5 sacks.
Besides Fox, the PCC offense provided chain-moving ability behind the rushing of Micah Mendoza, who carried 15 times for 86 yards with an 8-yard TD run early in third quarter. Mendoza added a 50-yard kick return.
Pasadena built as large as a 43-7 lead with 6:10 left in the third period.
Providing solid blocking was the Lancers starting offensive line of left tackle Gabe Ambrose, left guard Jake Adkins, center Jericho Martinez, right guards Christopher Ortiz and Michael Juarez, and right tackle Julian Navarrete.
Mascolino, a freshman from Arizona, passed for two TDs, including a 2-yard dart to Maddux Mateski in the third quarter as he completed 5-for-10 passes for 75 yards. A letterman, Taylor was 8-for-13 for 143 yards.
PCC's special teams were en fuego as the team's six kick returns resulted in 254 yards while kickers Ozlo Rigby (field goals of 40 and 25 yards, two extra points, and a 64.6 yard kickoff average) and Nico Razo (20-yard FG, three extra points) were efficient.
The Lancers, the defending American Pacific League champions, bring back eight All-SCFA players in First Teamers--Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Idrique Carmichael, outside linebacker Brumfield, and defensive tackle Julius Ray and Second Team selections in inslde linebacker Pulley, defensive end Izzy Duncan, inside linebacker Bailey, offensive lineman Navarrete and wide receiver/punt returner Jordan Rodriguez.
Pasadena returns 32 lettermen from the '23 and '22 squads.
PCC Director of Football Operations/Head Coach Robert Tucker improved his overall record to 24-9 in now his fourth season in charge of the PCC program.
The Lancers are 24-20-4 in the all-time series v. Santa Ana.
Next week, PCC plays its home opener v. West Los Angeles with the kickoff at Robinson Stadium slated for 6 p.m.
