Glendora, CA (Football) – Since the beginning of the season, the Citrus College football team has struggled to get its running game going. Coming into this afternoons match-up with L.A. Pierce College the Fighting Owls were averaging just 99.2 yards per contest, and was 12th in the WSC in rushing. Things turned around this afternoon as Citrus rushed for 342 yards in their 44-13 win over the Brahmas on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the big blow-out victory, the Owls came out of the gate rather slow, turning the ball over and running only five plays in the second of their first two possessions. Things began to change however, when a bad pitch by Pierce quarterback Alex Pettee ended up in the hands of the Citrus defense, as Josh Lange-Casillas recovered the fumble on the Pierce 25 yard line. Just six plays later, the Fighting Owls were in the end zone for their first score of the day as they took a 7-0 lead into the 2nd quarter.
After the Owls touchdown it was Pierce’s turn to answer as they took a 14 play 89 yard drive the distance to tie the game up at seven a piece. Citrus would pull ahead a few possessions later, but once again much like all of this season the Citrus score would be preceded by another forced turnover by the Citrus defense. This time it was linebacker Andrew Cedergren who ripped a pass reception out of the hands of a Pierce wide receiver, as he returned the ball 11 yards to the Brahama’s two yard line. Two plays later Dwight Broadnax would pound the ball into the end zone to give the Owls a 14-7 lead.
With just over two minutes left in the 2nd quarter, Pierce would strike again. Facing 3rd and 2 on their own 43 yard line, Pettee connected with Monroe Ross for a 47 yard gain, giving the Brahama’s the ball on the Citrus 10 yard line. Two plays later, Pierce would score another touchdown, but a missed extra point attempt would leave them just short of the Owls as they trailed 13-14 going into half time.
In the second half the Citrus defense ratcheted up their attack, and the Citrus offense got things going strong as they would out-score the Brahma’s 30-0 over the final 30 minutes of the game. The Fighting Owls wasted no time in the third quarter, as they took two minutes and thirty-five seconds to conduct a six play 75 yard drive to start off the 3rd quarter. The drive ended with a 7-yard Marquis Winbush score, giving the Owls a 20-13 lead after Jarred Gross’ extra point attempt hit the goal post.
The Citrus defense which had given up 139 yards in the 1st half held the Brahma’s to less than 100 yards in the 2nd half dominating the game on the field. After scoring on their first possession of the 2nd half, the Fighting Owls offense was forced into a four and out situation on their second possession, but a muffed return by the Brahma’s punt returner resulted in a safety for the Fighting Owls pushing their lead to 22-13.
On the ensuing possession the Owls put on another clinic with an 11 play 60 yard drive that ended in another Citrus score and resulting in their 30-13 lead. Citrus would score twice more in the fourth quarter on a 28-yard touchdown completion from John Garcia to Michael Shay, and a 1-yard touchdown rush from Andrew Couch to put the game out of reach at 44-13.
In the win the Fighting Owls were led by Marquis Winbush who had 19 carries for 148 yards and one TD, and Dwight Broadnax who had 126 yards on 21 carries and 2 TD’s. Coming into today’s game the Fighting Owls had, had only one 100-yard rusher this season. Wide receiver Mark Castaneda also had a big showing as he caught five passes for 93 yards.
Defensively, the Fighting Owls were led by Jordan Scott who had 9 tackles, including 1.5 sacks. Defensive back Jonathan Davies had yet another fine outing with 7 tackles and two pass break-ups.
With the win the Fighting Owls improve to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in WSC Pacific Division play. Citrus will hit the road for the next two weeks, starting with a trip to Ventura College next Saturday October 27. Game time is set for 7:00 PM.
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