The Campbell Reporter

Sports

Panthers score first, but lose tough decision to Matadors to slip to 1-2

By Greg Lydon

The defense was solid, but the offense didn't have enough as the Prospect football team fell in its final preseason game, losing 17-13 to Monta Vista on Friday afternoon in Cupertino.

The Panthers fall to 1-2 on the season as they prepare to open the Blossom Valley Athletic League West Valley Division season at Willow Glen on Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m.

Things weren't clicking early for Monta Vista as the Prospect defense swarmed quarterback Justin Rahn, shutting out Monta Vista in the opening quarter.

The Panthers got stellar efforts from their defensive backs early as Chad Hamilton and Shane Miller both broke up passes on the opening drive, preventing a Monta Vista first down.

Prospect got on the board first after a Monta Vista turnover when speedy tailback Kwasi Achiaw took a toss and jetted 88 yards down the far sideline untouched for the opening score of the game. The long run gave Prospect a 7-0 lead with 3:12 left in the opening quarter.

"It was a dive play, but I saw some room outside and took a cut toward daylight," Achiaw said after the tough defeat. "Once I got to the sideline I knew my speed was enough to take it to the house."

Linebacker Paul Michael Davis caused havoc in the Matador backfield all afternoon long, recording eight tackles, three of them for losses. Defensive tackle Ryan Eseroma kept the running game in check as he plugged the middle to keep the defensive contest within reach for Prospect.

After falling behind 17-7 with 5:45 left in the third quarter, quarterback Mike Brown's legs got things going for Prospect as he drove them back into the game.

Capping off the scoring drive, Prospect got a five-yard scramble from Brown to cut the lead to 17-13 after a missed point after attempt, but the offense couldn't charge back for a late go-ahead score due to the pressure from the Monta Vista defensive line.

Graham Paterson assisted Samuel Moon on a huge sack to halt the last minute scoring drive for Prospect. Brown couldn't avoid the rush leading to a game-ending sack.

Monta Vista also got a nice bounce to help out the home Matadors as nose tackle Samuel Tabatabai picked up a bouncing fumble after a botched toss play as he rumbled 12 yards for his first career touchdown to tie the score 7-7 early in the second quarter.

"I just wanted to grab the ball and get into the end zone," a smiling Tabatabai said after the game. "I wasn't thinking anything except, 'Get that ball.' "

The victory put Monta Vista in the win column for the first time this season, as the Matadors are now 1-2 overall going into league play.

Matt Moustakas carries the ball 20 times for 62 yards in a gritty effort for Monta Vista. The other member of the option combo was mobile quarterback Justin Rahn, who threw for 135 yards and ran for 46 for the Matadors.

"It's time to focus on league and winning a league championship," Achiaw said. "We need to work on assignments this week in practice. If we have a good week, our offense should be more productive next weekend."

Achiaw was held in check after his 88-yard touchdown burst in the first quarter. He finished the game with 102 yards on the ground.