SBCC Football ekes out a victory in a passion-fueled, penalty-filled match

Bethany Davenport, Staff Photographer

November 6, 2023

Bethany Davenport

Grant Hessler celebrates after he sacks the Raiders quarterback at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Hessler sacked Raider quarterback twice during the game on Nov. 4.

As the sun set behind La Playa Stadium, cold air fills the stadium but has no effect on the intense energy on the field and in the stands.

The smell of fresh tacos floated downwind to a tension fueled game where both teams earned multiple penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, referees miscalled plays, and athletes and spectators alike were injured. The overwhelming yells and cheers of frustration, disbelief and joy from start to finish relayed the undeniable amount of heart these teams and their fans bring to the game of football.

Damare Ward spreads excited energy and smiles as the City College Vaqueros take on the Moorpark Raiders on Nov. 4 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Ward is a City College sophomore from Oxnard, CA. (Bethany Davenport)

The Vaqueros’ defense lines up against the Raiders’ offense at La Playa Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 4 in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Vaqueros won 30-22 in an intense game, with both teams receiving multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. (Bethany Davenport)

Vaqueros Quarterback Will Doherty passes the ball on the side lines during their game against the Raiders on Nov. 4 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Vaqueros will take on the Bakersfield Renegades next on Nov. 11. (Bethany Davenport)

Kayden Chan races down the field for a touchdown off a 70 yard punt return on Nov. 4. Chan goes on to score a total of 18 points against the Raiders at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. (Bethany Davenport)

The City College cheerleaders perform during halftime at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. The cheer squad will cheer on the Vaqueros for their next game on Nov 11, 2023. (Bethany J Davenport)

Santa Barbara Dance Arts entertains fans during halftime on Nov 4, 2023 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Santa Barbara Dance Arts offers recreational and pre-professional classes for all ages. (Bethany J Davenport)

No. 31 Ajani Cuevas-Gillis tackles the Raiders’ No. 21 Gabriel Landless as the Vaqueros’ sidelines erupts with excitement at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. Cuevas-Gillis made a total of 5 tackles against the Raiders on Nov. 4. (Bethany Davenport)

Jake Foye takes on two Raider defence in a touchdown attempt on Nov. 4 at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. This game marks the 45th time the Vaqueros have taken on the Raiders. (Bethany Davenport)

Kayden Chan flies over the corner of the end zone for a touchdown score at La Playa Stadium in Santa Barbara, Calif. “It was kinda ugly, honestly, had a lot of penalties and hurt ourselves honestly. It was a lot closer than we wanted it to be but I’m happy in the results,” Chan shared after the game on Nov. 4. (Bethany Davenport)

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