Football Opens National Division, Central Play with a 34-3 Victory Over LBCC!

DB Michael Johnson with his third interception of the night. Photo courtesy of Dave Aguilera
DB Michael Johnson with his third interception of the night. Photo courtesy of Dave Aguilera

By John M. Sherrard

(COVINA) All the way down to the last defensive play for the Mounties at their own 1-yard line, a statement was made on their way to a convincing, 34-3, win over visiting Long Beach City College Saturday night in a National Division Central game at Covina District Stadium.

LBCC came into the game averaging over 40 points per game but the Mountie defense came up big to open league play (1-0) and up their overall record to 4-2.

The defense recorded four sacks, Michael Johnson had three interceptions (1 in the first quarter) and only allowed the Vikings in Mounties territory on three possessions in the first half.

The second half was more of the same as the defense stopped LBCC deep in Mt. SAC territory once and stopped two more drives with Johnson interceptions.

Long Beach, which was ranked fifth in the state polls, falls to 0-1 and 4-2.

Three long plays highlighted the scoring for the No. 13-ranked Mounties.

Sophomore quarterback Anfernee Bruton threw for 83 and 55-yard touchdown passes and freshman wide receiver DeAndre Mckinley returned an 88-yard punt return for a score.

Bruton was 10 for 23 for 238 yards and three TDs. He also ran the ball 14 times for 80 yards.

Sophomore wide receiver Elijah Trejo caught four passes for 106 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown pass from Bruton. The TD pass was the longest of the season for Bruton.

Also hauling in the other long TD pass (55 yards) was wide receiver Tavonn Salter.  The freshman caught three passes for 85 yards.

Mt. SAC sophomore running back Edgar Segura added 41 yards on 10 carries, while sophomore kicker Brandon Gracia kicked two first-quarter field goals for a 6-0 lead.

The Mounties stretched the lead to 20-0 in the second quarter after an 18-yard TD pass from Bruton to sophomore wide receiver Kennedy Sykes and Mckinley's punt return for a TD.

After a long 13-play drive, the Vikings scored their only points of the game on the last play of the first half on a 23-yard field with no time remaining, to trail, 20-3.

The only scoring in the second half was the two TD passes to Salter and Trejo.

Mt. SAC continues National Division action next Saturday at El Camino College. Game time is 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact Mt. SAC Sports Information at 909.274.4630.