Valley Overwhelms Outmanned Pierce

For junior college football players, Valley College beats Pierce any day.

The Monarchs defeated the Brahmas for the sixth consecutive time, 45-12, Saturday at Pierce, dominating predictably and decisively with players who might as easily have enrolled at Pierce.

Not among them, of course, was Brahma linebacker Tyler Brennan, a freshman from Taft High and among the minority who opted for Pierce. After the game, Brennan approached Valley Coach Gary Barlow with an extended hand.

“Would have loved to have seen you wearing the green and gold this season,” Barlow said.

Answered Brennan: “Maybe next year. Right now, we just need to practice harder.”

Pierce (0-2) lost its 30th consecutive game, and more players from a shrinking, 36-man roster. Two Brahmas went down with injuries on the same play in the first half--including cornerback Rob Anamizu, one of the team’s best players--and did not return.

Valley (1-0), which cruised to a 28-0 second-quarter lead, outgained Pierce, 368 yards to 241, while brandishing weaponry that included four quarterbacks and three running backs.

The Monarchs, with a 78-man roster, have given Barlow multiple options and a few sleepless nights.

Travis Winn, a freshman from Chatsworth High, started at quarterback and took the most snaps, completing seven of 13 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Eric Holtfreter was 11 of 23 for 146 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Mike Adams and sophomore Todd McLean each took a few snaps.

“I came in thinking we had four good quarterbacks and I still think that,” Barlow said. “I’ll have to look at the film.”

Running back Jamian Barbour cut into Winn’s passing time, running for touchdowns of 16 and nine yards in the first half.

Freshmen Jason Portee from Beverly Hills and Vinny Walker from Monroe had touchdown runs of three and two yards.

Barbour, a sophomore from Crespi, had 97 yards in 14 carries.

Pierce moved the ball but scored only on two lengthy drives. Quarterback Calvin Zinck ran one yard to cut the Monarchs’ lead to 28-6 late in the first half.

Zinck connected with Bruce Johnson for a 24-yard touchdown pass early in the third quarter. Zinck, under a fierce pass rush, completed 21 of 41 for 176 yards and one interception.

Zinck was sacked only once, a tribute to his quick release.

“A couple of guys went down today and we can’t lose any more,” Zinck said. “We’re short here and there. If I get time, we can pick any defense apart. But when they come with a lot of guys, we have trouble.”