PANTHERS CLAIM CONFERENCE TITLE WITH 34-24 WIN OVER SANTA ANA
Panther Football remains undefeated in the 2023 season with a huge 34-24 hard fought win over Santa Ana tonight.
Both teams came into tonight's game undefeated in conference, but only Chaffey emerged with the win a.nd the American Metro Conference title. This was Chaffey's first post-COVID conference championship and a first for Head Coach Darrin Chiaverini.
Leading the Panthers tonight was freshman quarterback Dereun Dortch who added 238 passing yards to his debut year. But, it was his 104 yards rushing including a 36 yard dash into the endzone in the final quarter that had the crowd on its feet.
A 67 yard play from Dortch to William Davis started the scoring volley off tonight and set the tone for the game. With the first 6 points on the board, Chaffey never let up, holding onto the lead through four quarters. At the half, the Panthers were up 20-12.
Chaffey's top players were in fine form with Jeremiah Beck, Jayson Cortes, and Corey Cabriales all crossing the line to score for Chaffey and secure the title.
Defensively, Chaffey was led by sophomore Syrano Ware and Jordan Collins with five tackles each.
The Panthers will play their final regular season game next Saturday at 1pm against Victor Valley College. Bowl game announcements will be made the following week.