By John M. Sherrard
(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) In a game that had everything, the Mt. SAC Football team exploded for a 51-7 win over Chaffey College Saturday in a National Division Central Conference contest.
Three safeties, a fumble recovery for a touchdown and three receiving TDs highlighted the day for the Mounties. Also included was the Mt. SAC defense holding the Panthers to just 53 yards of total offense.
"The defense was flying around making big plays," Mt. SAC Football coach Bob Jastrab said. "They were giving the offense great field position and at the same time scoring a touchdown (fumble recovery) and three safeties."
Perhaps never accomplished before were three safeties by the Mountie defense, including two in the third quarter with less than two minutes apart.
Also highlighted was a short 5-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by sophomore defensive end Paula Hafoka in the third quarter and a three-touchdown passing night for freshman quarterback Jaiave Magalei.
Magalei led the Mounties with 122 yards (13 for 22) and touchdown passes of 16, 12 and 22 yards.
Freshman wide receiver Gaston Bouchereau caught three passes for 44 yards and a touchdown.
Twelve Mounties had positive yardage on the ground led by freshman running back Asfunso Elam with 40 yards on five carries.
After Chaffey took advantage of an interception of a Mt. SAC pass and scored three plays later for the early 7-0 lead, the Mounties reeled off 51 consecutive points.
Highlighting the scoring was a 19-point first quarter, which included two touchdown passes by Magalei to Bouchereau (16 yards) and a 12-yard TD pass to sophomore wide receiver Cameron Coleman.
The two scores gave the Mounties the 14-7 lead for good.
They would add a 20-yard field goal by freshman kicker Andrew Rodriguez and a safety with :56 left in the half for the 19-7 lead.
There wasn't any scoring in the second quarter, but the Mounties opened the flood gates in the third as they scored 25 points for the 44-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The 25-point quarter was the second largest this season as they scored 27 against Ventura in the opening quarter in route to a 55-29 win.
The Mounties added one touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 14-yard run by sophomore running back Demetre Carter for the final score, 51-7.
Mt. SAC has two games remaining, both of which are at Covina District Field. Next Saturday November 4 is alumni day as they host L.A. Harbor in a Central Conference game.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.