Gossard Becomes Pasadena City's All-Time Winningest Football coach

Dennis Gossard became the winningest football coach in Pasadena City College history on Sept. 25, winning his 53rd game over 10 seasons with a 34-14 victory over visiting College of Desert to break R.  Frank Baker's 76-year-old record of 52 set in 1934.

Gossard, a longtime assistant beginning in 1979, was the head coach from 1987 to 1994 and again in 2005 before taking over this season in place of James Kuk.

After the game, he downplayed the achievement.

"It's just I'm older than everyone else," he said. "If I had the great winning percentage, that would be different."

Pasadena City's Rueben Thomas scored three times, including a crowd-pleasing 80-yard punt return and a one-handed catch from Nick Owens that turned into a 68-yard touchdown, as Pasadena City (4-0) overcame a seven-point deficit to lead by 21 at halftime.

"Ruben is capable of doing that all the time," Gossard said. "Thank god we don't have to play AGainST him.

Thomas finished with 194 all-purpose yards, including five catches for 114 yards. 

Owens completed 18 of 30 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the 13th quarterback in Pasadena City history to pass for more than 300 in a game. 

Pasadena outgained College of the Desert (1-3) 489-270 while allowing just 13 first downs. Telvin McMillian rushed for 65 yards in 13 carries, including a 9-yard touchdown, and linebacker Cordell Robinson totaled eight tackles and one sack. Omar Smith had an interception and broke up two passes, and Kealii Latuselu had an interception.

Harris had five receptions for 78 yards, and Danny Robison rushed for 42 yards on eight carries.

Pasadena City College all-time coaching victories Football Head Coaches

1. Dennis Gossard, 10 seasons, 1987-1994, 2005, Present, 53 wins
2. R. Frank Baker, 9 seasons, 1926-1934, 52 wins
3. Tom Mallory, 8 seasons, 1937-1941, 1946-1948, 50 wins