Merced College football loses season opener to Contra Costa College
The Merced College’s long awaited football season opener finally arrived on Saturday afternoon as the Blue Devils traveled to Contra Costa College.
The Blue Devils offense just couldn’t come up with enough big plays in a 35-19 loss to the Comets.
It was Merced College’s first football game since Nov. 16, 2019 after having to cancel the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contra Costa’s DeMarshia Davis scored two first-half touchdowns to help the Comets build a 28-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
The Blue Devils couldn’t cut the lead under 15 points the rest of the way.
Merced College quarterback Ryan Kraft completed 16 of 39 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Kraft added a 4-yard touchdown run in the first quarter that pulled the Blue Devils even at 7-7.
Blue Devils receiver Brinson Mataeo hauled in five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Merced College struggled to get the ground game going, rushing for just 64 yards as a team on 32 carries. Justin Incaprera led the rushing attack with 36 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
The Blue Devils offense sputtered on third down, converting on just four of 12 third-down opportunities. Merced College also went 0 for 1 on fourth-down attempts.
Linebacker Cody Chapman led the Blue Devils defense with 11 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss.
The Blue Devils will play their first home game on Saturday against Los Medanos at 1 p.m.
