Glendale Community College turns focus to conference play
After losing all four of its nonconference games, the Glendale Community College football team will look for a better outcome with the start of American Metro Conference play.
Perhaps Glendale will be able to curb its offensive deficiencies after mustering just 33 points in that stretch, though who will handle the starting quarterback chores remains up for grabs leading into its home contest against West L.A. College at 6 p.m. Saturday at Sartoris Field.
Glendale Coach John Rome said sophomore David Arriaga or freshman David Madrid will get the signal-calling nod.
“We clearly need to get better on offense,” said Rome, whose team registered just 114 yards of offense in 56 plays in a 13-0 road defeat against L.A. Valley on Saturday. “We need to be able to click as soon as possible.
“With Arriaga, he’s better at controlling the offense. With Madrid, he’s much taller in the pocket.”
Glendale, which will begin its first season in the American Metro Conference, saw Arriaga and Madrid struggle against Valley. Arriaga completed 10 of 14 passes for 34 yards and three interceptions and Madrid completed four of nine attempts for 29 yards and one interception, as the Vaqueros were shut out for the second time this season.
Overall, Arriaga has completed 28 of 65 passes for 202 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions. Madrid has completed 12 of 27 passes for 111 yards and two interceptions.
Glendale and West L.A. (1-3) previously competed in the American Pacific Conference.
Unlike Glendale, West L.A. hasn’t had trouble producing offense. The Wildcats have scored at least 28 points in each game and are averaging 35 points per contest. Unlike Glendale, West L.A. has struggled on defense, yielding 46.8 points per game. By comparison, Glendale is surrendering 23.5 points a game.
“We know they are very explosive,” Rome said. “They know how to run the ball and they are very good at knowing how to set up for the pass. It will definitely be another good test for our defense.”
The Wildcats suffered a 47-30 home defeat against Victor Valley on Saturday, sending them to their third straight loss.
West L.A. quarterback Jorge Reyna completed 31 of 43 passes for 421 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Rasheed Cox caught seven passes for 157 yards and one touchdown and Christian Williams had four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, Reyna has completed 128 of 184 passes for 1,461 yards and 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. Cox has caught 26 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns.
Glendale has won three straight games against West L.A., including a 35-21 road win last season.
Glendale last began a season 0-4 in 2011, when it finished 1-9.
