After a competitive first half, the Fremont Pathfinders outlasted the Los Angeles Romans 18-14. The Pathfinders now advance to the second round of the CIF City Section Division III playoffs.
“We just got to keep going, keep pushing,” said Fremont quarterback Jahdiel Roberts. “One win at a time.”
Pathfinders senior running back Joevon Sauls led the first offensive drive, but they had to settle for a failed field goal attempt. The Romans struggled with penalties, helping Fremont advance.
Sauls would put the Pathfinders on the board first with a scoring rush from 11 yards out.
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“It’s just all about the game of football and we all just have fun,” Sauls said. “When something happens in the game, it’s more like stuff happens. You make mistakes, all you got to do is come back from those mistakes.”
The Pathfinders’ offense fumbled in the early minutes of the second quarter, losing the ball to the Romans. Los Angeles moved down the field on the ground and junior Jeshua Alcantara scored a touchdown on a third-and-goal.
“[Alcantara] is a very strong player and we got a very strong line,” said Romans junior Semaj Williams. “They can just push him down the middle and then he just makes it work.”
A successful two-point conversion would give the Romans an 8-7 lead. Williams kept the offensive momentum going on their next possession when he secured a 41-yard touchdown run. After a failed two-point conversion, they were at 14 points.
Roberts found his passing rhythm and connected with Fremont sophomore Andrew Williams for a 47-yard touchdown passing play. The Pathfinders’ score came around one minute after the Romans’ touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the Pathfinders a 15-14 lead.
“I was really concentrated. The most important thing was to get the defender off me and then place the ball right in my hand,” Andrew said. “I had to go for the highest point because recently, I tried to let it fall into my arms, it didn’t work. Went for the highest point, I got it down.”
Both teams brought more intensity on defense in the second half. Late in the third quarter, the Romans lost possession of the ball after the Pathfinders punted on a touch punt. This allowed the Pathfinders to start their offensive drive on the Romans’ 31-yard line.
The Romans denied the Pathfinders a trip to the end zone. A field goal would give Fremont a four-point advantage. Los Angeles battled throughout the fourth quarter but were unable to score.
The Romans end their season with a 6-5 overall record and a 3-1 Southern League record.
“I just appreciate my coach and everything, he’s the main one that keeps us up,” Romans senior Shawn Pringle. “We be emotionally unstable sometimes, but he keeps it all together.”
The Pathfinders will travel to face the top-seeded Bell Eagles on November 9 at 7:00P.M.
