FOOTBALL: CLOSE CALL HORNETS

The FC football team pulled off some second half magic at Saddleback College beating the Gauchos 48-44.

With the conference title on the line, the Hornets fell behind early as Saddleback piled it on thick taking a generous 37-17 lead by the 3rd quarter.

With a firm lead throughout the game, the Gauchos let the Hornets creep back with 4 minutes left in the game when RB Lavorrie Johnson broke free on a 45 yard touchdown run giving the Hornets hope trailing 44-41. 

Fullerton forced Saddleback's hand getting the ball back after three plays.  Pinned back on their own five-yard line, the Hornets went for it on fourth down. QB Jose Escobar dumped the ball off to WR Eli Pleasant and he danced 92 yards to the end zone stunning the home crowd at the Snake Pit. 

On the Gauchos ensuing drive, Fullerton DT Antoine Turner sniffed out the tipped pass intercepting the ball with 1:13 left in the game.  The Hornets pulled off the inconceivable come-from-behind win.

QB Jose Escobar led the Hornets with a school record 447 yards passing along with 4 TDs.  The previous game passing record was set back in 1982 by Troy Bodine with 417 yards against Bakersfield College.  Running Backs Ryan Byrd (96 yards) and Lavorrie Johnson (95 yards 1 TD) combined for 192 yards rushing. WR Eli Pleasant tore up the field catching 11 balls for 214 yards and two TDs.

The Hornet offensive unit also snapped their own record Saturday night gaining 656 total yards.  The previous record of 623 was set during week three's win over Bakersfield College breaking the original record of 616 set back in 1950 against Vallejo.

Up Next:  FC (6-0 overall, 2-0 conference) will hit the road again next Saturday, October 26th at Palomar College.  Kickoff is at 1:00 pm.