Fresno City College football team finds another tough way to lose

It has been an all-too-familiar sight for the Fresno City College football team this season, with four of its losses by a combined total of nine points.

The latest, and a second straight 1-point gut punch that came down to a field goal in the closing seconds, was witnessed Friday in Oakland.

Erik Zamora lined up for a go-ahead 25-yard field goal, but Laney’s Solomon Clark came from the short side and blocked the kick as the Northern California eighth-ranked Rams lost to the No. 2 Eagles 13-12 in a Valley Conference game.

Laney moved to 7-1 and 3-0 in the conference while the Rams fell to 3-5 and 0-3.

“I thought we had a good shot to make it,” Rams coach Tony Caviglia said. “He wanted to make that kick more than anybody. It just didn’t work out.”

Add it to the litany that includes these:

▪ Against Santa Rosa in Week 2, Fresno City had a 6-0 lead only to see it slip away on a pick-six in a 17-13 loss. Rams quarterbacks threw five interceptions.

▪ In Week 4 against American River, the Rams were positioning for the winning score in overtime, but running back Nate Jones fumbled at the Beavers’ 5. American River would win 38-35 on a field goal in double OT.

▪ Last week, the Rams attempted a 29-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. The ball sailed wide left in a 28-27 loss to Modesto.

What motivation remains for the Rams?

There are two games to go in conference against Delta and Sequoias. Win those and a bowl berth remains possible, likely the State Center in mid-November.

“We’re a very talented team, and I’m pretty sure every team that beat us knows that,” Rams defensive lineman McCarthy Tonuao said. “Every game we lost could’ve had a much different outcome by only a few plays. I don’t think any team that beat us can say they totally dominated us. Every game came down to the last second, either by a big play or a field goal. Very frustrating knowing that we have a championship team, but not the record to play for it.”

Caviglia said with games still to play it’s never too late to turn a season around. He is eager to see how his team responds during the next two weeks.

“Our kids showed up and they played hard and we’re going to keep doing that," he said. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work Monday. I know it’s funny to say but we’re a good team. It’s just not showing up on the scoreboard, but we’re a committed football team.”

Giants blown out – Sequoias (3-5, 0-3) gave up 20 points in the second quarter in a 53-31 loss to Delta (2-6, 1-2) in Stockton. Giants quarterback Thomas Wilson was 20 of 23 for 200 yards and three touchdowns.

This story was originally published October 29, 2016 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Fresno City College football team finds another tough way to lose."