The City College Panthers football team opened up the 2008 season Sept. 6 against the Butte College Roadrunners with hopes of starting off on a high note, but lost 40-13.

In the first half, Panthers quarterback Josh Boudreaux just couldn’t get into rhythm as his team went three and out on most of their possessions. The Roadrunners scored first, with Butte College running back Alex Courtney dashed into the end zone with a 60-yard run making the score 7-0 following the extra point. The Panthers went back onto the field for their second drive, but came up short, gaining only five yards and having to punt the ball away.

As if things couldn’t get any worse for the Panthers, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks left the game with a knee injury late in the first quarter. His return was questionable throughout the game, though he would appear briefly before being sidelined the rest of the game.

In the second quarter Butte College quarterback Ryan Ratekin went to work, throwing three touchdown passes including a 34 yarder to wide receiver Joshua Bellamy.

By halftime the Panthers were down 26-0, but things were looking up as they opened the third quarter very strong scoring with a 20-yard run by Boudreaux, taking the score to 26-7 following the extra point by Derek Carothers. The Panthers defense held up with plenty of big plays giving the offense opportunity to make a comeback. An interception by defensive back Kevin Watts set the tone with 10:26 left in the third quarter which resulted in a Panther touchdown making it 26-13.

With fans cheering and hoping for a miracle, the Panthers seemed to run out of gas as the game went into the fourth quarter and the Roadrunners ran away with the game. Boudreaux left the game with 14:26 left on the clock with cramps and was replaced by Ricky Rodarte.

Feeling like the game was already won, the Roadrunners decided to send their second- and third-string players into the game, including Jordan Rodgers, brother of NFL Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers didn’t do much but hand off the ball to Courtney, who scored with 7:23 left in the game making it 40-13.

The following week, the Panthers lost their game against Sierra College 62-15.

The next game for the Panthers will be Sept. 27 against San Joaquin Delta College at Hughes Stadium.