West Park upends Chico, 26-20

A week after handing Today its first loss of the season, 34-30, the West Park Panthers invited undefeated Chico to their West Roseville Campus and sent the opposing Panthers home with their first loss as well, 26-20. Chico led 13-12 heading into the fourth quarter, but West Park scored twice in the fourth quarter, just like they did against Tokay, and won the game, 26-20, improving their record to 4-1. "It was a nice win," West Park coach Jason Tenner said. "The boys played pretty well against an undefeated Chico team." West Park opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from Jaden Jackson to Ryan Sisson, putting the Panthers out in front 6-0. By halftime, though, Chico was in front 13-6. A second Jackson-to-Sisson scoring pass late in the third quarter cut the West Park deficit to one point, 13-12, as the team missed their second extra point of the game. In the fourth quarter, Chico took a 20-12 lead with about eight minutes to go, but now is when West Park would shine. A 69-yard touchdown pass to Mason Johnson; it was Jackson's third touchdown pass but it was Johnson's first and only catch of the game, brought the Panthers to within two points of the lead, 20-18. A defensive stop got the ball back for the Panthers, and they drove down the field before Calvon Johnson put the team in front for good with a touchdown run. Ben Osby added the two-point conversion, as West Park won the game, 26-20. West Park's defense held Chico won last time, as the Panthers clinched the win. Jackson completed 19-of-24 passes for 271 yards and three scores. Sisson caught five passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson led the way with 11 tackles, Jonathan Martin had one big sack on fourth down to end the game and Gavin McDonald had an interception. "Also, Rigo Solano was all over the field making plays and our nose guard Michael Okocha played well," Tenner said. "Their running back Dion Coleman is a dominant back and we held him in check and never let him get loose." Offensively, West Park played two new players on the line, guard Jack Harper and tackle Noah Gilmore, and didn't skip a beat. "We're really seeing what you want to see out of a team," Tenner said. "We're taking steps each week and getting better. We've got guys out, our right guard and right tackle, Westin Wade is out, and we've got players stepping in. The team is starting to gel. They're figuring out how to compete and execute and it's fun to watch." West Park (0-0, 4-1) opens Foothill Valley League play Friday at Oakmont (0-5).