The Voice - Student Newspaper

GCC splits pair of close games against Pima, Eastern AZ

When the Glendale Gauchos took on the Pima Community College Aztecs on Sept. 12, the defensive unit for the Gauchos showed why they have often been more dominating than their opponent this season.

After GCC sophomore D'Angelo Jones ran for a 4-yard touchdown that gave the Gauchos a 6-0 lead, the defense of Glendale held the visiting Aztecs to only a field goal.

The next two possessions for Pima resulted in two interceptions led by freshman safety Terrell Thompson, but those two interceptions by the defense were not enough to keep Pima from snatching the lead at halftime, 13-12.

After the Gaucho offense struggled in the first half, freshman quarterback James Valdez was determined to lead Glendale to a victory in the second half, but the defensive units for each team didn't allow their opponent to score in the third quarter.

Shortly after the fourth quarter began, the Gauchos scored, then completed a two-point conversion to take the lead, 20-13.

On Pima's next possession the the Gaucho's defense stepped it up again, making the Aztecs fumble the ball with 9:32 remaining in the game.

When it counted most, GCC's defense blocked an extra point by the Aztecs, making the score 20-19 with a little over 2:00 left on the clock.

Pima then had a chance to win the game when they recovered the onside kick, however the Gaucho defense led the way with two sacks on Pima's final possession of the game to help the Gauchos escape with the victory.

Glendale returned home on Sept. 19 to face Eastern Arizona College.

The theme of nailbiting contests continued as GCC and EAC fought hard all evening.

The Gauchos came up short in a 22-15 loss to the Gila Monsters.

Glendale currently has an overall record of 2-2 and is 0-1 in Western States Football League play.

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