Fresno City makes all the late big plays, tops Reedley

Fresno City College's Caleb Duncan turned and zeroed in on quarterback Joshua Allen as Allen threw toward the end zone.

The freshman defensive back from New Orleans went up and made an interception at the 1-yard line, helping the Rams secure a 49-44 victory over Reedley in the Battle for the Pump game Saturday at Ratcliffe Stadium.

"Every time when we need a big play my coach puts me in the game," Duncan said of his fourth-quarter play. "It was an opportunity I had, and to get that interception … it was pretty big. It changed the outcome of the game, so I'm blessed to be in this situation and help my team win. We know as a team we can overcome adversity."

The Rams (3-2) retained the Pump for a sixth straight season with the nonconference win.

Fresno City's Ray Martin also had a say in the outcome, icing it with a 45-yard touchdown reception on a pass from Nolan Sorensen with 10:33 remaining.

"I know nobody can cover me and I'm not going to allow myself to be covered," said Martin, who finished with 84 yards and two touchdowns. "I saw an opening, the field … green grass and touchdown."

Reedley (2-3) came into the fourth quarter trailing 42-38 but had scored 66 points in the final period in its past three games. On this night, the Tigers got only six.

"Biggest thing in (this) rivalry … is when you go back and look at history, very rarely is it close," Rams coach Tony Caviglia said. "Guys have to play over and beyond their ability and play at a highest level. We learned a lesson and we're going to get everybody's best shot."

Caviglia pointed out that many of his players came up with big plays, including running back Jeremy Smith who finished with 26 carries for 168 yards and a touchdown. Errian Wingfield ran for two scores.

On defense, four Rams had sacks: Mitchell Francis, Christopher Woolbright, Josh Hinson and Eli Lee. Reno Sagapolu recovered a fumble.

"We made plays all over the field," Caviglia said. "That was a huge pick (by Duncan). We knew (Reedley) wasn't going to quit. They haven't let down their guard once. I believe they're an up-and-coming football team right now and they're going to be dangerous in their league."

Allen did finish 16 of 25 for 275 yards and three touchdowns. He ran for 57 yards and two TDs.

Before Saturday's game, Tigers coach Randy Whited said he believes in moral victories.

"I'll take it," he had said.

Fresno City ended a two-game skid heading into the bye week before starting Valley Conference play at Laney in two weeks.

"Definitely great to snap a two-game skid," Martin said. "Get some motivation and get some confidence back in the group, which we already had confidence, but that definitely motivates everybody. Just keep pushing."

Sequoias had three turnovers and Raul Alvarez was sacked seven times in a 28-3 loss to No. 3 Santa Rosa.

West Hills improved to 5-0 after a 52-10 victory over Gavilan.