Pitman High they hosted three-time defending Central California Conference champions Buhach Colony on Friday, in what turned out to be a disappointing league opener for the Pride.
It was a defensive battle all game long, however, Pitman’s inconsistency on offense along with countless penalties and contentious calls from the referees, led to the Pride's second straight defeat of the season in a 10-0 shutout.
“We struggled last couple years against these guys. We could’ve moved the ball better than we did but we were just inconsistent, and the game flew by very fast considering they [Buhach] ran the ball well,” Pitman head coach Tom Tyler said. “I think we just weren’t good enough to beat this team tonight; maybe later on in the playoffs."
The Pride offense struggled running the ball on the outside as the Thunder defenders clogged the corners and the interior all game long. Donovan Bravo’s fumble on the third play of the game proved to be a theme for how the Pride would perform for the night — inconsistent.
“I think we threw the ball well, but we struggled at times, but you have to give them credit, [Buhach is] a great team,” Tyler said.
Despite struggles on the offensive side and special teams, Pitman’s defense was able to stay healthy and consistent the majority of the night.
With the score still 0-0, the game shifted to the Thunder when a blocked Pride punt set up Buhach inside the 10 yard line with 6:27 left in the third quarter.
Despite the good position, the Thunder weren't able to follow through with a touchdown and had to settle for a field goal after a goal line stand by the Pride defense. The field goal put the first points of the game on the scoreboard with 4:28 left to go in the third.
“We played our hearts out and prepared the best we could for this team. We have a wonderful coaching staff,” Pitman defensive end Nick Roditis said. “We know what we’re doing we just need to get it done; but we couldn’t today.”
The only touchdown scored in the game was with about one minute left in the third when Quintin Levesque broke for an 88-yard run from Buhach’s own 12.
With Friday’s win, Buhach has now won 16 consecutive league games.
Pitman, now 4-2, will continue league play as they host CCC foe Atwater High at 7 p.m. next Friday.
