FOOTBALL: DOG FIGHT!

The #2 Hornets knocked off #1 Riverside City College 38-36 at home on Saturday despite committing 6 turnovers.

It was a classic battle between the Southern California Football Association's two best teams with the #2 Hornets beating the #1 Tigers in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. 

Even though QB Jose Escobar threw 3 interceptions (2 were tipped passes), he kept the Hornet offense together and focused while tossing a season high 389 yard with 1 TD.  WR Ryan Longoria had his best game as a Hornet making acrobatic catches when ever the ball flew his way.  Longoria really made it count when he scored the winning touchdown by stretching his body across the goal line with a defender clinging on to him with 26 seconds left in the game.  He finished the game with 8 catches for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns.  WR Eli Pleasant also stepped up catching 10 balls for 132 yards. 

The Fullerton defensive unit held strong as Riverside traveled quickly down to their 47 yardline with 11 seconds left.  Tiger kicker Mike Canahai proved early in the game that his leg was strong enough to hit the winning field goal by easliy knocking in 43-yarder.  On the next play RCC QB Tyler Howard was sacked by Jarrot Thomas.  With 5 seconds left on the on their own 42 yardline, Riverside could now only hope for a Hail Mary.  The final pass was thrown into the endzone as the seconds ticked off of the clock.  The ball sailed off of the fingertips of WR Sam Boyd bouncing to the turf.  

The Hornet D was led by LB Justin Owens who had his best game as a Hornet with 20 tackles (12 solo and 8 assisted).  Alex Bernstein had 9 tackles (5 solo and 4 assisted) and Darius Lewis had 8 (7 solo and 1 assisted).

Prior to the game, Riverside was ranked 2nd in the nation and Fullerton was ranked 7th according to JCGridwire's Dirty 30.

Up Next: The Hornets have another tough test when they travel to South Orange County to take on Saddleback College on Saturday, October 19th.  Kick off is at 6:00 pm.

*Photo by Matt Brown