The Los Banos Tigers football faced off against Pacheco Panthers in a hard fought loss at Veterans Stadium September 6.

The game began with Pacheco having the ball first yet there was early action from the Tigers as they opened the first quarter strong with a touchdown from Owen Baffuno (12). After a missed field goal from the Tigers, the Panthers quickly responded with a touchdown of their own in the beginning of the second quarter, placing the score at 7-6. 

However the second quarter of the game saw Pacheco score a touchdown with a successful field goal attempt putting the Panthers ahead with a score of 14-6. 

The game took a sudden turn near the end of the third quarter as the Tigers quarterback Joshua Gargano (11)  took a hard hit leaving him with no choice but to sit out the rest of the game. Coaches then substituted his position for Ethan Briseño with 1:49 left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter began quickly as the Panthers opened with a successful field goal, raising their score to 17-6. After a long back and forth the Tigers managed to move the ball for a long rush with a quick catch from Owen Baffuno (12). This drive then led to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter from Yahir Zuniga (12) with 4:19. The game closed with Pacheco winning with a final score of 17-12.

 After the game, Tigers quarterback Joshua Gargano (11) gave his thoughts saying, “I think that we could have played a lot better. We came out with intensity but we need to keep that intensity the whole game and not give up the little things so much.”  

The Tigers look to improve their game and move forward as they face Liberty-Madera this Friday, September 13 at Loftin Stadium at 7:00 p.m.