Football Recap: Pioneer Turns Things Around After Road Loss

There's no place like home for Pioneer, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They had just enough and edged out the Sacramento Dragons 42-40. The score was all tied up 14-14 at the break, but the Patriots were the better team in the second half.

Joe Mendez

Rushing Touchdowns (Career)

09/26/25 vs Sacramento	3
08/29/25 vs River Valley	2
10/11/24 vs Wood	2
09/05/25 @ Woodland	1

Joe Mendez was a one-man wrecking crew as he rushed for 159 yards and three scores. Those three rushing touchdowns gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Jordan Constancio, who threw for 152 yards and a pair of TDs on only 13 passes.

Pioneer didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Sacramento to a completion percentage of just 45.8%. The team can thank Max Pineda for the heroic effort on defense: he. Pioneer wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 61.5%.

Pioneer didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Devion Corley and Jayden Deliska. Deliska also made four total tackles, which is notable because Pioneer is undefeated when he posts at least three total tackles, but 1-2 otherwise. The Patriots got some further help from Pineda: he made 16 total tackles (1.5 for loss) and defended two passes.

Despite the loss, Sacramento saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Cordell Radcliffe rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns, and also picked up 35 receiving yards. Radcliffe is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 138 every time he's taken the field this season. Sacramento also got help from Damarie Taylor, who showed off his sure hands for 98 receiving yards.

Pioneer's record is now 4-2. As for Sacramento, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.

We've got plenty of inter-league action coming up soon. Pioneer is set to face off against their familiar foe River City at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Sacramento will square off against rival Rodriguez at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.