WHITTIER, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2022) - The Poets had their first home game of the season today as they took on the visiting Lewis and Clark Pioneers. Coming off a tough loss to CMS, the Poets looked to get back on track. 

The Pioneers had other plans in motion though as they were able to take an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter. Near the end of the first, the Poets looked to change the momentum when senior Aaron Martinez picked off L&C quarterback Montana. At the end of the first, the score was 13-0 and the Poets had the ball at the beginning of the second. 

Making a good run at the endzone the Poets got to the Pioneer 3-yard line, before eventually turning the ball over on downs. After a quick drive on defense, Whittier would get the ball back at mid-field. Following a few short plays, the Poets performed a 'flea-flicker' that resulted in a 43-yard touchdown thrown by running back Jason Terry and caught by Jalen Jolley. 

The momentum would not carry through to the rest of the quarter though, as the Pioneers took the lead 27-7. 

As the second half started, the Poets tried to fight back, but the lead was too significant. The last bright spot of the game came with six minutes left in the 4th when quarterback Jonathan Martinez completed a 32-yard pass to Michael Lopez to put the Poets back on the board. 

The final score of this game would end up being 44-13 as the Poets fall to 0-2 on the season. 

Their next game is Saturday, September 24th at home against Pomona-Pitzer. This game will take place at 7:00 and will give the Poets their first look at a conference rival before their games count toward conference play at the beginning of October. 

Photo: Tony Leon/ActionWestPhotography