Rams post second straight shutout, third overall with 63-0 rout of San Joaquin Delta

Aaron Espero scored two touchdowns, including a 75-yard kickoff return to open the game against Delta. (Photo by Eric Sun)
Aaron Espero scored two touchdowns, including a 75-yard kickoff return to open the game against Delta. (Photo by Eric Sun)

Another Saturday, another shutout for the City College of San Francisco football team.

For the second consecutive week, the Rams' defense held their opponent to under 100 yards and did not allow a point while the CCSF offense was dominant once again in a 63-0 National Bay 6 League win over visiting San Joaquin Delta College on Saturday at George M. Rush Stadium.

CCSF is now 7-0 overall and 2-0 in league play with no signs of slowing down.

While the Rams' offense was making the headlines earlier in the season, the defense has now been just as scary for opposing teams. CCSF has three shutouts this season and nearly had a fourth if it wasn't for a late-game touchdown by Santa Rosa earlier this month.

Dating back to the second half of the Sept. 25 game against American River, the Rams have allowed just seven points over their last 14 quarters of play.

San Joaquin Delta totaled just 99 yards of offense on Saturday, including -12 yards rushing. The Rams D had four sacks, totaled nine tackles for loss, forced three fumbles, broke up four passes, and grabbed an interception.

Ben Onek had four solo tackles, including two for losses, as well as a sack and forced fumble as part of a strong team effort.

CCSF set the tone early for the game against an overmatched Delta squad. Aaron Espero electrified the crowd when he took the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown. Minutes later, the Rams came up with a blocked punt that was picked up by Joshua Scott and returned 26 yards for another touchdown.

Up 14-0, the Rams offense finally got involved. Quarterback Jack Newman led his squad on a seven-play, 76-yard drive and finished it with a 16-yard TD pass to Espero at the 3:01 mark.

Newman closed out his day with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Max Rodarte. He gave way to his reserves after the first quarter with CCSF holding a 26-0 lead. Newman was nearly perfect, completing 9 of 10 passes for 142 yards and two TDs.

Backup quarterbacks Matt Jenner (4 for 4, 66 yards) and Jeremy Stephens (5 for 8, 42 yards) both threw touchdown passes and the Rams racked up a season-high 289 yards on the ground. Shawn Allen led CCSF with 66 yards on 11 rushes including a pair of touchdown runs in the third quarter.

Espero led CCSF receivers with six catches for 70 yards. Teneil Nichols (31 yards) and Jeffrey Weimer (19 yards) also had touchdown receptions.

The Rams will look to keep the momentum going on Friday (Oct. 29) when they travel to Laney College for a 7 p.m. Bay 6 League game.