Football takes down Reedley in dramatic fashion

Diablo Valley College improved to a 2-2 overall record for the season after their dramatic 28-25 win over Reedley College at home on Friday night.

Despite coming from a 20-9 loss against Shasta College and being 18 players short due to a variety of protocols, which included quarterback Joey Aguilar, the Vikings stood their ground and delivered an impressive performance. Notably, defensive back Malachi Ward had a great night with two sacks and an overall solid game. 

At first, it didn't seem like DVC could get their heads in the game as their opening drive consisted of two penalties, setting them up for a 3rd and 20 after just two plays, forcing a punt early in the game. 

The penalties continued as the defense took on the field, ensuring that the flags became a leading factor for the Vikings throughout the game. However, the defense managed to keep Reedley away from progressing any further.

DVC's third drive in the first quarter was the complete opposite of their first- promising movement from backup quarterback Jordan Cooke facilitated a solid drive as he connected with Javoni Gardere and Gavin Cribbe up the field to give DVC the 7-0 lead after the extra point.

Malachi Ward would be Diablo Valley College's prominent figure, taking on Reedley's offense with great determination and success, allowing DVC to cruise into the second quarter with ease.

Momentum shifted for Reedley, however, as penalties once again tainted DVC's first drive of the quarter, leading to the visitors hogging the ball for a nine-minute drive that resulted in a field goal. After another three-and-done for DVC, Reedley would push up the field with a couple of rushing plays from quarterback DJ Stevenson, who made it helped make it 10-7 for Reedley at the half.

The second half could not have started better for the Vikings as they recovered their own kick-off at Reedley's 19-yard line. DVC only needed three plays after that to once again lead the game at 14-10.

Diablo Valley looked its strongest in the third quarter, solidifying its superiority with three consecutive scoring drives and 156 passing yards from Jordan Cooke in the process. DVC extended their lead to 28-10.

After a successful drive from Reedly quarterback Joshua Magana (throwing a 49-yard touchdown), Reedley pulled back seven points. Going into the 4th quarter, it was 28-17.

Magana would do it again, this time throwing for an 11-yard touchdown. The turning point, though, would be Magana's two-point attempt, which was good. At 28-25, Reedley only needed a field goal to tie the game.

This would not happen. After much insisting from the visiting team in the fourth quarter, DVC's defense would lock down and Reedley would concede a false start with six seconds left in the game, draining out the clock and handing the win to the Vikings.

--Abel Anguiano

In a game with flags all over the field,  three fourth-down conversions, and a two-point conversion, things were bound to get chaotic in the end.

Luckily for DVC, the improvement from the last game is a good look for the team's depth, and they hope to continue that form as they take on College of the Sequoias next Friday.