FOOTBALL: HORNETS OPEN THE SEASON WITH A WIN OVER VENTURA

It was not the smoothest win for Fullerton College, but the Hornets were able to put it in gear taking over the game in the second half to win 29-10 at Shapell Stadium Saturday night.

The Pirates drew first blood scoring on a 52-yard punt return by Chris Marshall in the first quarter (10:36).

VC kept the Fullerton offense at bay through the first quarter and added a 36-yard field goal to go up 10-0 in the second quarter (13:52).

The Hornets put together a seven-play drive going 30 yards for their first TD on the season on a 2-yard plunge by RB Eugene Baker.

Heading into the second half down 10-7, the FC offense got it going as they took their first lead of the game on a 14-yard TD pass from QB Joey Verhaegh to WR Ryan Markush to go up 15-10 (4:20 3q / 7 plays 80 yds). The extra point was blocked by the Pirates, but Austin Steele pulled a rabbit out of his hat and advanced the ball past the goal line for the 2-point conversion.

Once they took the lead, the Hornets did not look back as they went on to score two more times in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard by Eugene Baker (9:43 4q / 11 plays 78 yds) and a 12-yard run by Khalil Wilson (2:02 4q / 7 plays 80 yds).

With the finals seconds of the game ticking off the scoreboard, DB Andrae Pierman intercepted the ball to seal the game. Pierman also led the team in tackles with 7 solo and 2 assisted with one forced fumble.

Up Next: The Hornets (1-0) will hit the road at Mt. San Antonio for a tough match-up on Saturday, September 13th. Kick off is at 6:00 pm.

*Photo by Matt Brown