Turnovers Costly, Pride Lose 37-20

Novato, CA

Despite their best offensive performance of the year the Pride offense could not overcome five turnovers in Saturday’s 37-20 loss to the Central Valley Bengals.

Quarterback Harry Taylor threw for a season high 239 yards and three touchdowns and receiver Dana Mills had a season with eight catches, 115 yards, and two touchdowns. Despite all that it was four interceptions and a lost fumble that would be the story of the day for the Pride.

As they did last week the Pride fell behind 14-0 early in the game after a backwards pass was bobbled then picked up by the Bengals. But also like last week the Pride would battle back and Taylor and Mills would hook up on a score to cut the lead to 14-6 half way through the second quarter. But the turnover bug would strike on consecutive drives with two pick six’s for touchdown by the Bengals, with one being called back for pass interference. The Pride would trail at the half 20-6.

The Pride would turn the ball over once again to start the second half leading to a Bengals field goal. The Pride would continue to fight though as on their following drive Taylor would Tre Henderson deep down the sideline for a 33-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 23-13 to end third quarter.

Bengals Quarterback Martel Scroggins would keep the defense off balance most of the day with his elusive style of play rushing for almost 100 yards while throwing for another 170 yards.

Both team would trade touchdown in the fourth quarter to make the score 30-20. And the Bengal would go on a long drive to end the game with a final scoring run for the 37-20.

Jackson stated “We just continue to put our defense in too many bad situations. We only punted once today but to have five more turnovers after seven last week; we are just not going to win many games playing that type of football. We also have to be able to get of the field as a defense in key situations. They converted about five plays of 3rd or 4th down and more than ten yards to go today. We are a young organization and it shows right now. We have some growing up to do. But I am positive we will get things back on track and have a successful season.”

Offensive player of the game: WR – Dana Mills – 8 receptions, 115 yards, 2 TDs

Defensive player of the game:  DE – Najee Pierson – 9 tackles and 1 sack

Next Game:  Sat. April 19 – Home vs Santa Cruz Gladiators – Redwood HS – 3:30 pm