Posted: Nov 05, 2018
The Chabot football team showed it could compete with a perennial Northern California power, but the Gladiators were unable to cash in on opportunities in a 31-17 loss to College of San Mateo on Nov. 3 at Gladiator Stadium.
Defensively, Chabot had its way in the first half against the Bulldogs, forcing three turnovers. But the Gladiators were unable to turn them into any points in the Bay 6 showdown.
On CSM's first two possessions, Chabot's Ethan Owens picked off a pass and Hufangahau Moala recovered a fumble. Lapitu Mahoni also came away with another interception for the Gladiators in the early second quarter.
Four times Chabot got inside the Bulldogs 35 in the first half but were turned away, missing field goal attempts of 49, 47 and 43 yards. They were also turned away on a fourth down pass attempt to keep it a scoreless game.
The Gladiators (5-4, 1-3 Bay 6) finally got their offense in gear for at least one possession. They went 62 yards in five plays as freshman quarterback Chayce Akaka rolled to his left and hit Traveon Auzenne in the corner of the end zone for a 42-yard strike and a 7-0 Chabot advantage with 4:55 left in the first half.
CSM tied it right before halftime after taking advantage of a short punt, starting at the Chabot 47.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 4-0 ), ranked fifth in the JC Athletic Bureau Coaches' State Poll, reached the 14 before going into their bag of tricks as quarterback Kamalii Akina handed the ball to halfback Jalen Lampley, who then turned and hit Akina down the left sideline for a touchdown with 30.1 seconds left in the half.
The second half was all Bulldogs as they scored on their first two possessions to take a 21-7 advantage.
Akina connected with Elijah Harper for a 35-yard scoring strike and Avery Runner capped off another drive, scoring from a yard out.
After a Bulldogs' field goal, CSM lined up for a 45-yard attempt with 10:32 remaining in the game.
The ball was snapped over the holders head and Chabot's Titus Sullivan picked up the loose ball, returning it 61 yards to the end zone to make it a two score game at 24-14.
CSM responded as Akina and Harper connected for another touchdown, this time for 46 yards, and the Bulldogs never looked back.
Alejandro Cervantez added a 23-yard field goal for the Gladiators.
Akaka was 10 for 28 for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception for Chabot. Auzenne led the Gladiators with five receptions for 117 yards and a score.
Chabot closes out the regular season on Friday, Nov. 9 at Laney College at 7 p.m., with a chance to clinch a six-win season.
By Tony Gonsalez
Special to Chabot Athletics