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Video by Matt Guardabascio<\/em><\/p>\n With just over three minutes left in the game, the Paramount Pirates scored on a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting them ahead of the Cabrillo Jaguars by 3. Despite watching their 12-0 lead slip away over the course of the second half, the Jaguars remained calm. Why? Because Roman Lewis was set to return the kickoff. It seems the Jaguars placed their faith in a worthy candidate, as Lewis took the kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, the return was called back for a block in the back 15 yards behind the play. The following drive culminated in quarterback John Rubio’s only interception of the night, forcing the Jaguars to hold off their celebrations for yet another week. <\/p>\n The Jaguars faced a less dominant force in Paramount than in last week’s game against Edison, and their second home loss in as many weeks left the team understandably disheartened. Still, head coach A.J. Luke seemed optimistic, citing vast improvements over the previous week’s game. “This week, instead of playing one quarter, I think we played for three quarters…tackling was a lot better, and there was better movement of the ball.” That improved defensive effort was what allowed the Jaguars to go into the locker room ahead 12-0 at half. Well, that and an impressive passing game. Senior quarterback John Rubio went 9 for 9 in the first half with 128 yards, connecting with team captain Roman Lewis 7 times for 102 yards, including an exciting 37-yard touchdown pass. For the second week in a row, Coach Luke awarded Lewis the game ball, along with the Jaguars’ defense.<\/span><\/p>\n The major turning point in the game came in the fourth quarter, after a pair of Jaguar fumbles. Cabrillo’s defense was looking stronger than ever, but was forced to stay out longer than needed as Roman Lewis and Kaleb Davis fumbled on the first play of two drives following consecutive defensive fourth-down stops. Paramount would unleash their 23-yard touchdown strike on the ensuing drive, completing the comeback. <\/span><\/p>\n As always, Coach Luke left us with an uplifting note: “If there was that much of an improvement from last week, I’m just more excited about next week because it can only get better.” We’ll find out next week when the Jaguars travel north to take on a sturdy St. John Bosco squad.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n