Bizarre and a key moment in the Battle for the Pump game between Fresno City and Reedley

Saturday’s Battle for the Pump game had a bizarre moment and a key moment at Ratcliffe Stadium.

First, Fresno City College had a 14-7 lead before halftime until Alec Trujillo threw an interception that was returned by Reedley’s Santhony Brown who lateraled the ball to Langston Latham for a touchdown that tied the game.

Later in the game, the Rams took the lead on a 26-yard field goal by Johnny Enriquez.

The Tigers (6-3, 2-2) got the ball back and were on the move in Fresno City’s territory until Jeremiah Shelton forced a fumble on Tigers quarterback DJ Stevenson that was recovered by teammate Marshaun Clayton to seal Fresno City’s 24-21 win in a junior college football game.

The Rams (6-3, 4-0) retained the pump for another year.

“It’s a great feeling,” Clayton said. “I’ve never felt this way before. I saw one of my (teammates) punch it out and I see the ball and I see somebody trying to get to it. Pushed him out of the way and got to it. I know I had to recover the ball.”

Fresno City seemingly had control of the game in the first half in what looked like they would add more points before halftime in Reedley’s territory.

An interception, however, happened that Rams coach Tony Cavigila takes the blame for after he misjudged the area where the Rams were lined up. Instead Trujillo threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.

Caviglia was thinking ‘The Pump’ game was headed to overtime, but is thankful his players pulled it out against their rival.

“We made some mistakes today,” he said. “A lot of mistakes with the head coach. I made some calls and I gotta get that corrected, but the Rams had a great will today and they willed this game. I’m glad we jumped on that ball at the end.”

The win sets up next week’s Valley Conference showdown with Modesto Junior College.

The winner is the outright champion and will head to the NorCal playoffs. The loser heads to a bowl game.