(Covina, CA) Two late fourth-quarter touchdown passes by quarterback Steven Nava, capped off a come-from-behind win (43-36) over visiting Long Beach City College (LBCC), this past Saturday at Covina District Field.
The go-ahead TD by Nava (20-35, 266 Yds.) came in the last 1:20, of the 1:00 pm game, on a 41-yard pass to wide receiver Jacob Hennie (2 catches, 47 yds.).
The Vikings came right back on their ensuing drive, marching down the field to the 8-yard line with eight seconds remaining.
One last pass attempt by LBCC ended in the hands of Mt. SAC defensive back DeAndre Robinson (2 ints.), ending the game.
"It was a very exciting action-filled game," replied Mt. SAC Head Coach, Bob Jastrab. "I'm very proud of the team, down in the fourth, battling back and scoring two late touchdowns."
There were eight lead changes in the game which saw neither team led by more than eight points.
With the Mounties leading 9-7, after a Davion Gaisie 1-yard TD run in the opening quarter, each team traded scores five times.
Highlighting the second quarter were two field goals (38, 27 yds.) by kicker Gabriel Dunkle and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by defensive back Kristian Tafao.
Mt. SAC (2-0) held a 22-21 lead at the half.
In the third quarter, Nava threw the first of his three TD passes in the game, a 30-yarder to Zion Echols to lead 29-21.
However, early in the fourth quarter the Vikings tied the game at 29 with a TD and 2-point conversion.
LBCC took the lead, 36-29, just a minute and a half later, which commenced a Mounties comeback
Receiver Sean Bowden caught the game tying 28 yard TD pass, followed three minutes later by the go ahead Hennie TD.
Nava connected with eight different receivers in the game led by Echols (5 catches, 88 yds.) and Bowden (4 catches, 58 yds., TD).
The Mountie ground attack was led sophomores Asfunso Elam (13 carries, 55 yds.) and Hykeem Massey (14 carries, 46 yds.) led the way.
Mt. SAC travels to Chaffey College next Saturday, September 15th. Game time is 6:00 pm.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.