Rams Host Panthers in High-Stakes Conference Showdown with Deep Historical Roots

The Fresno City College (FCC) Rams (2-4, 0-1) return home to face the Sacramento City College (SCC) Panthers (3-3, 0-1) in a crucial conference football matchup that renews one of the state’s deepest junior college rivalries. Both teams are fighting to secure their first conference victory of the season. Game time for Saturday, October 18 is 1:00 pm at Ratcliffe Stadium.

The Current Picture

The Rams are eager to bounce back following a 20-7 loss to Modesto JC last week. They will face an SCC squad that is equally hungry, having dropped a close 24-20 decision to College of the Sequoias. With both teams sharing a 0-1 conference record, the outcome of today’s game is vital for gaining momentum in the season’s second half.

A Rivalry Spanning Six Decades

The history between the Rams and the Panthers dates back to 1958 with the inaugural Sequoia Bowl—a contest the Rams won 27-19. This rivalry was marked by an extraordinary run in the late 1960s and 1970s under legendary FCC coach Clare Slaughter, who led the Rams to four state championships (1968, 1969, 1972, 1973). During this period, Fresno City won 16 consecutive games against Sacramento City from 1964 to 1979. 

Historic Upset

While Sacramento City eventually became a national power in the 1980s, the rivalry produced one of the most memorable upsets in 1985. The Rams, despite being heavily favored against the visiting Panthers, pulled off a monumental 17-7 victory, fueled by a dominant defensive performance. Sophomore linebacker Alan Juniper was named "JC Athletic Bureau ‘Player of the Week’" for his inspirational role in the win. 

The Modern Streak

The rivalry series was discontinued and then resumed, but since 1993, the dynamic has shifted decisively in favor of the Rams. Since that year, Fresno City College has amassed a remarkable 13-game winning streak against the Panthers. 

Today's matchup challenges Sacramento City to snap that nearly three-decade-long streak, while the Rams aim to prove their historical dominance holds true in the modern era. The overall series ledger currently favors Fresno City College, 31-11.

Fans are encouraged to attend and witness the continuation of this storied rivalry. Halftime will include the annual Parade of Athletes from the college’s 23 athletic teams and a Homecoming Celebration featuring alumni and former football players. 

This season, the Ram home games will be live streamed on the FCC YouTube Channel in partnership with CMAC.