Pirates run through the Dons in overtime

   The pressure was on when a tired and struggling Dons offense took the field in overtime down six points Oct. 10.
   What resulted next was déjà vu from the L.A. Harbor game as quarterback Jordan Thomas threw an interception to linebacker Jimmy Keating, ending the game.
   After this 33-27 loss, the Dons slipped to 0-3 in games decided by 6 points or less. Thomas had a rough game with 118 yards passing, a touchdown, three interceptions and was sacked four times.
   "I think Jordan would tell you he wants some throws back. You can't play perfect consistently," Head Coach Geoff Jones said.
   With a 17-7 lead in the third quarter the Dons offense broke down and failed to score in the quarter. Their only touchdowns came on freshman Devin DeLeon's 49-yard run and reciever Domini William's 34-yard catch.
   Not much changed in the fourth quarter when Thomas fumbled the ball and was recovered by the Pirates. Orange Coast College took advantage of the turnover with a field goal and tying the game at 17-17.
   "We broke down mentally. We didn't play like we wanted to" Williams said.
   Defensively the Dons were solid allowing 17 points in regulation. The source for their problems was runningback Ray Holley who rushed for 191 yards against the Dons. With the score tied at 27-27 in overtime, Holley ran for his third touchdown to put the Pirates ahead 33-27.
   Thomas was put in a situation to be the hero for the Dons needing only a touchdown to win. After three failed attempts to get the first down Santa Ana College's offense lined up on fourth down, but the defensive pressure was too much to handle as Thomas' pass ended up in the hands of Keating.
   "We got a good play, we could have done it better, now we've got to get back to practice and do it," said Thomas.
   A 4-1 start has now fallen to a 4-3 record for the Dons going 0-2 in conference games.
   "It's sad I guess, but I did all I can do. We need to motivate ourselves," said Kicker Chase Lansford. "When we are winning we start to get cocky and then we lose."