Corsairs win thriller to keep conference championship hopes alive

The Corsairs are coming off of their biggest win of the season Saturday, narrowly defeating the West LA Wildcats 49-48.

With 12 seconds to go, West LA quarterback Dallas Lopez threw a high arching bomb down the left side for a touchdown, presumably tying the game, and forcing overtime.

But in one of the gutsiest calls the Corsairs have seen, the Wildcats elected to attempt a two-point conversion, and go for the win.

As the Wildcats lined up, and attempted to break the Corsairs 23 game conference win streak, as well as spoil their run at a fourth consecutive conference championship, SMC dug in and prepared to defend their season.

With everything on the line for the Corsairs, the Wildcats hiked the ball, and tossed it to their running back Trayviel Boone up the right side. But before Boone could make a move, SMC defensive back Kevin Johnson shot through the defensive line, and stopped the play for a loss, saving the Corsairs season.

Coming off an exhilarating win can be tough to move past, especially a young team like the Corsairs. But, getting the team focused after a big win or a big loss is just part of the job for head coach Gifford Lindheim.

“We allow ourselves through Monday to enjoy the win. After we finish watching the film on Monday, whether it was a good or bad outcome, we don't talk about it anymore. It's on to the next play,” said Lindheim.

This Saturday the Corsairs travel to LA Valley College for a late matchup. Not only has SMC have yet to win on the road, but all their road games have been 6pm starts, just like the one this Saturday.

The Corsairs await the potential epic conference showdown in two weeks which will pit them against the only other team undefeated in conference, Santa Barbabra. If the Corsairs are going to stay undefeated, they will have to figure out how to win on the road, and fast.

“LA Valley poses some interesting challenges for us. They have good players and are well coached,” said Lindheim. “On defense, we have to respond and play better this week, and I think we will. On offense, we've got to continue to grow and develop. We want to play with tempo and energy and efficiency.”