Cloudy with a chance of yellow flags

The Monarchs fought hard in the second half bringing the deficit to 27-10.

By Isaac Dektor, Editor-in-Chief

Los Angeles Valley College Monarchs football defensive back Isiah Aziz sits down after switching off of defense in a game against the College of the Desert Roadrunners Monarch Stadium at Valley College in Valley Glen, California, on September 10, 2022. Monarchs lost to the Roadrunners 27-10. (Griffin O'Rourke | Valley Star)

Desert college sprouted a win on Monarch turf under light rain and yellow flags at the first Valley College home football game of the season.

The Monarchs began their campaign with a delay of game after defensive back Vicente Zepeda returned the ball to the 35-yard-line. Valley struggled to get its ground game going, with running back Caleb McCarty taking a pitch straight into Desert’s defensive line for no gain. The Monarch’s big men failed to provide the coverage needed for K’mari Dennis to get a pass off, forcing Valley to punt their way out of a fourth and long situation. Desert’s De’on Savage returned the punt to the Monarchs’ 21 yardline, setting the tone for Valley's first home game and second loss this season, 27-0.

“We’re gonna get better everyday and practice is for real,” said head coach Lester Towns. “Speed of the game affects the younger guys and they’re not used to it. Practice — we go full speed, so in the game they’re ready.”

A Desert extra-point attempt blown wide by the wind left score 20-0 with only left in the half. The Monarchs spirits remained high on the sidelines despite being unable to build offensive momentum, building to a crescendo of cheers as Jason Wagner returned a kickoff 90-yard for a touchdown. Flags rained down on the field as the crowd’s elated voices filled the stadium, turning to frustration as the touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty midfield.

Head Coach Lester Towns talks to his Monarchs following the loss against the Roadrunners. (Valley Star, Griffin O'Rourke)

The Roadrunners went full speed right out of the gate with their quarterback rushing for a 70-yard touchdown on the first drive of the second half, bringing the score to 27-0. This seemed to slap the Monarchs into shape, as their offense began consistently moving the ball up the field.

Wagner found a groove at the top of the second half, consistently getting open and garnering over half of Valley’s total receiving yards. A reception for big gains by Wagner put the Monarchs in Desert’s redzone, allowing the home team to convert a field goal and put some points on the board.

Sophomore Zepeda stepped up and began to anticipate the Roadrunners ground game, stopping them in their tracks. With the score 27-3 and the game coming to an end, the home team had something to prove.

Foli threw up a hail mary before being laid out by a late hit from a Desert defender, connecting a 43-yard pass to Wagner. With 15-yards tacked on from roughing the passer, Foli ran down the field to continue the drive.

Tragedy struck again for the Monarchs as a botched snap under light rain ended the Monarch campaign.

Andre Lawson caught the ball over a defender center field before slamming through the Desert defense into the end zone, dropping the deficit to 17 with 4:43 left to play.

Valley’s offense found its footing too late in the game, as the first half was filled with false

starts and missed opportunities.

“This week is an opportunity for us to show what we can do and then continue to build each week as we get ready for conference,” said Towns. “It doesn’t matter how LA Southwest plays, we just have to play our game.”

Valley will play LA Southwest College at home on Saturday at 1:00 pm.