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Taggart’s Tactics: Oregon vs. Utah

EUGENE, OR - October 7: A general view during a game between the Oregon Ducks and Washington State Cougars in Eugene, OR. Washington State defeated Oregon 33-10 (Photo by Ben Ludeman).
EUGENE, OR – October 7: #2 Oregon S Tyree Robinson explains the play to #4 Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr. during a game Eugene, OR. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Eugene, OR – With an overall record of 4-4 and a reputation of being the second worst team in the Pac-12, the Oregon Ducks are struggling to stay out of their own way, according to head coach Willie Taggart. Coming off of a hard loss to UCLA Oregon gears up to play Utah (4-3, 1-3) this weekend. Taggart stresses they must play the best they can, regardless of the multiple injuries they have suffered this season.

At this time, there is no say if Justin Herbert will be suiting up. Herbert has been out with a collarbone injury as of Sep. 30th when the Ducks’ won 45-24 against the California Bears. Since Herbert’s absence, Oregon has accumulated a three game losing streak.
When Taggart was asked if Herbert plans to return to the field, “Justin’s throwing passes, he’s doing whatever Justin like to do right now… don’t tease me”, Taggart teases with a smirk.

EUGENE, OR – October 7: The Oregon mascot AKA Puddles during a game. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

When asked how Oregon plans to take control, Taggart stresses forcing turnovers, playing solid defense and making progressive improvements daily. On offense, taking care of the football is the main objective. Taggart expresses worry over proper preparation with formulating 15 play drives when he sees his team not running the correct routes. “We got to find ways to get those explosive plays that we were getting earlier in the year and that will help our football team out tremendously”, said Taggart.

Struggling to find their offensive identity and power plays, Taggart has high hopes for his Ducks this weekend. Tune in as Oregon hosts the Utah Utes (4-3, 1-3) this Saturday at 2:45 p.m., televised on Pac-12 Networks.

 

 

Late Fumble Costs Oregon State Cinderella Upset Over No. 20 Stanford

CORVALLIS, OR - October 26: #4 Oregon State RB Thomas Tyner breaks a tackle from #8 Stanford SS Justin Reid on his way to a TD during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
CORVALLIS, OR – October 26: #4 Oregon State RB Thomas Tyner dives for a TD during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Corvallis, OR – Returning from a bye week Oregon State looked to slow the No. 20 Stanford Cardinal at home, the fourth top 25 ranked opponent for the Beavers this season.

The Stanford Cardinal shattered any hopes the Beavers had of an upset as quarterback Keller Chryst threw his only touchdown of the night to wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside take the lead for the Cardinal and the victory 15-14.

Oregon State was primed to secure their upset victory as they led Stanford 14-9 with 2:38 left in the fourth quarter. Similarly to the end of the first half the Beavers attempted to run the clock down when Ryan Nall fumbled and the Cardinal recovered on the Oregon State 43 yard line.

CORVALLIS, OR – October 26: #34 Oregon State RB Ryan Nall breaks a tackle from #24 Stanford CB Quenton Meeks during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Even after the costly mistake the Oregon State defense was in a position to become the heroes of the night in front of a crowd that was ready to storm the field after they forced another Cardinal fourth down. Prior to the snap coach Hall frantically tried to call timeout to make an adjustment in his secondary however the referee did not notice and Stanford was able to convert on fourth down.

Notably absent from the Thursday night Pac-12 Conference matchup was Stanford Heisman hopeful and national rushing leader Bryce Love, who was inactive with an ankle injury.

CORVALLIS, OR – October 26: #32 Oregon State ILB Jonathan Willis celebrates a sack during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

After a scoreless and slow first quarter, Oregon State looked to get their playmaker Ryan Nall involved any way possible. Running Nall out of wildcat, designed zone reads and taking direct snaps, Nall led the Beavers to their first scoring drive of the night with 47 rushing yards that series alone. A 3-yard touchdown rush by quarterback Darell Garretson quickly capped off the drive giving the Beavers their first lead of the game at 7-3.

Following two impressive defensive stands the Beavers were 1st and 10 on their own 18-yard line with 51 seconds left in the half. Set to receive the ball at the start of the second half, Oregon State was attempting to conservatively run the clock out and maintain a lead of 4 points when Garretson lost a costly fumble on a miscommunication between himself and Ryan Nall. The fumble set up another Cardinal field goal cutting the Beaver’s lead to 1 at 7-6 to end of the first half.

On the opening drive of the second half Oregon State’s offense found the end zone again, this time with an 18-yard touchdown run by Thomas Tyner extending their lead to 8 at 14-6. The Cardinal would later counter with their third field goal of the night bringing the score to 14-9.

CORVALLIS, OR – October 26: Oregon State Interim Head Coach Cory Hall during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

After the game Oregon State interim head coach Cory Hall stated, “Beaver football is changing”.

When asked where the change has come from Hall replied, “I’ve always believed a team is going to take on the identity of their head coach, and I’m no one to be pushed around”.

This newfound mentality has been obvious since Hall’s takeover on October 9th, when former head coach Gary Anderson and Oregon State mutually parted ways.

CORVALLIS, OR – October 26: #19 Stanford WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside turns upfield during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal in Corvallis, OR. Stanford beat Oregon State 15-14. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

In only his second game as interim head coach Hall’s Beavers held the high-powered Stanford offence that scored 58, 34, 23 and 49 points respectively in their last four games to only 15 total points. An admirable feat regardless of Bryce Love’s absence from the team who allowed Portland State to amount 32 points earlier this season under Anderson.

Oregon State may not have won the upset they had dreamt of tonight, but in an already lost season the “change” that coach Hall has been able to instill in his short time in charge is far more important.

 

 

Los Angeles Chargers, California Dairy Families and Fuel Up to Play 60 to Award Lennox School District $10,000 for Student Wellness

October 24, 2017 LENNOX, CA Los Angeles Chargers, California Dairy Farmers and Fuel Up to Play 60 to Award Lennox School District $10,000 for Student Wellness at Jefferson Elementary on October 24, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)
Los Angeles Chargers Desmond King addressing the crowd at the Los Angeles Chargers, California Dairy Farmers and Fuel Up to Play 60 to Award Lennox School District $10,000 for Student Wellness at Jefferson Elementary on October 24, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Lennox, Ca – The students were fired up for an outdoor assembly with the Los Angeles Chargers and two local dairy farmers at Jefferson Elementary on Tuesday morning.

Lennox School District was awarded a $10,000 grant to support healthy eating and physical activity wellness programs in schools. The grant is from the Los Angeles Chargers and Real California Milk, representing California’s dairy farm families.

Representatives from the school district, Jefferson Elementary and CMAB were on hand for the assembly with Chargers players Desmond King, Austin Ekeler, Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson and Chargers Girls to present the grant. They also gave encouraging words to the students and participate in activity drills with them.

LaDainian Tomlinson giving encouraging words at the Los Angeles Chargers, California Dairy Farmers and Fuel Up to Play 60 to Award Lennox School District $10,000 for Student Wellness at Jefferson Elementary on October 24, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

“I had a dream in the 5th grade, first I had to get good grades, listen to my teachers, and my parents,” said Tomlinson.

There were two common themes today, the benefits of Milk and importance of education. The NFL players and local Farmers gave the Lennox students few words to remember as great foundation and some great cereal favorites.

“Stay healthy and treat your body right,” said King “My Mother showed me the ways to work hard and shoot for the stars.”

Just before the kids went to field to do some fun drills with the Chargers players the dignitaries that included Mayor Butts, Superintendent Kent Taylor, Farmers Brian Schouten, and Michael Oosten did a milk toast.

Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school physical activity and nutrition program created by the National Dairy Council in collaboration with the National Football League and supported in the state by the California’s 1,300 dairy farm families. The program encourages youth to consume a balance diet including low-fat and fat-free dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains while achieving at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Local California Dairy Farmers Brian Schouten (L) and Michael Oosten (R) speaking at the Los Angeles Chargers, California Dairy Farmers and Fuel Up to Play 60 to Award Lennox School District $10,000 for Student Wellness at Jefferson Elementary on October 24, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

The Lennox School District will have use this grant to fund programs throughout their whole K-8 district.

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 8

Khalil Tate running during the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 8

OFFENSIVE: Khalil Tate, So., QB, Arizona (Inglewood, Calif.)
• For the first time since USC’s Rodney Peete in 1988, Tate has been selected the Pac-12 Football Offensive Player of the Week for the third week in a row.
• In his second start of the season, Tate led Arizona to a thrilling 45-44 double-overtime victory at California.
• The sophomore totaled 303 yards of offense and three touchdowns.
• Produced a third-straight 100-yard rushing game with 137 yards on 17 carries, including a career-long 76-yard touchdown run.
• Completed 10-of-15 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns, the last a 22-yard completion in the second overtime which, with the subsequent extra point kick, was the winning score.
• Tate has three runs of at least 70 yards in three consecutive games.

Khalil Tate at the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

DEFENSIVE: Colin Schooler, Fr., LB, Arizona (Dana Point, Calif.)
• Schooler delivered the defensive play of the game to seal a road victory for Arizona, which held off California in a 45-44 double-overtime thriller.
• Broke up the potential game-winning pass in the back of the endzone as the Golden Bears attempted a two-point conversion.
• Also delivered a career-best 15 tackles, which is a team season-high for Arizona.
• The freshman totaled 1.5 tackles for loss, forced a fumble and was credited for one quarterback hurry as the Wildcats held on for their first road overtime victory in program history.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Brandon Ruiz, Fr., PK, Arizona State (Gilbert, Ariz.)
• Was perfect for the day, connecting on all three of his field goal attempts (47, 40, 30 yards) and all three PATs.
• Scored ASU’s first nine points of the game in helping the Sun Devils come away with points on their first three possessions to take a 9-0 lead after one quarter.
• Four of Ruiz’ seven kickoffs were touchbacks. Utah’s average starting field position on the seven kickoffs was its own 21-yard line.

ALSO NOMINATED:
OFFENSIVE: Demario Richard, ASU; Christian Pabico, UCLA; Luke Falk, WSU.
DEFENSIVE: Christian Sam, ASU; Jaleel Wadood, UCLA; Jalen Thompson, WSU.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Stefan Flintoft, UCLA; Mitch Wishnowsky, UTAH.

OffensiveDefensiveSpecial Teams
Sep. 5Josh Rosen, UCLADevante Downs, CALJake Olsen, USC
Sep. 11Sam Darnold, USCPeyton Pelluer, WSUDante Pettis, WASH
Sep. 17Luke Falk, WSUDevante Downs, CALDante Pettis, WASH
Sep. 25Bryce Love, STANJack Jones, USCBrandon Ruiz, ASU
Oct. 2Bryce Love, STANJahad Woods, WSUErik Powell, WSU
Oct. 9Khalil Tate, ARIZJustin Reid, STANErik Powell, WSU
Oct. 16Khalil Tate, ARIZJordan Kunaszyk, CALMitch Wishnowsky, UTAH
Oct. 23Khalil Tate, ARIZColin Schooler, ARIZBrandon Ruiz, ASU
 
                                                      – www.pac-12.com –

fi360 News Week 7 MVP

Kristopher Hutson running after the catch during the High School Football Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

fi360 News Week 7 MVP Kristopher Hutson

UCLA snaps losing stint against the Ducks

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 21: Austin Roberts during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360News)
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 21: UCLA Christian Pabico leaving the pack during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Pasadena, CA – A Bruin team desperate for a win came out and played desperation football Saturday at the Rose Bowl. UCLA ended its 6-game losing streak to Oregon with a 31-14 victory over the Ducks.

If UCLA wanted to keep alive any possibility of playing in a bowl game at the end of the season, a loss to Oregon wasn’t going to suffice.

In a season where UCLA’s defense hasn’t given QB Josh Rosen much of an opportunity to play with a modest lead, the Bruins jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Oregon running back Royce Freeman running during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Both UCLA’s offense and defense took a step down in the 2nd quarter. Oregon shortened the Bruins lead to 7 on a 7-yard touchdown run by Oregon QB Braxton Burmeister. Burmeister would reach the end zone once again in the quarter, this time from 4-yards on a read-option.

UCLA’s offense fell out of rhythm after its first two drives and failed to get points on the board in the 2nd quarter to send both teams into the half tied at 14.

An Achilles heel for the UCLA defense the entire campaign has been allowing teams to convert on third and long situations. In the first, a couple of penalties on third down for the Bruins prolonged multiplied drives for the Ducks.

In the second half, UCLA’s defense forced Oregon into several third and long situations and much to head coach Jim Mora’s pleasure, they were able to get off the field.

“We performed really well today,” said safety Adarius Pickett, “It’s extremely important to get any turnover.”

PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Jaleel Wadood making a tackle during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Mora has been vocal about not having enough takeaways on the defensive end. In the first half, UCLA was able to cash in on a fumble recovery to give the team an early 7-0 lead. In the second, although they weren’t able to take advantage, UCLA’s defense gave its offense another extra possession when they picked off Burmeister in the third quarter.

UCLA added to their 17-14 lead in the 3rd quarter on a 40 play 87-yard drive that ended with a spectacular 22-yard touchdown run by Bolu Olorunfunmi. The Bruins added to their lead with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Rosen to Darren Andrews in the fourth quarter. UCLA held the Ducks scoreless in the second half.

PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 21: Josh Rosen in the pocket during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and the UCLA Bruins on OCTOBER 21, 2017 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Rosen finished the game 21 of 36 for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. Walk-on WR Christian Pabico had himself a coming out party and lead the team with 99 yard receiving and 1 touchdown on 4 catches.

“We had some guys step up and do a tremendous job,”  said coach Jim Mora, “That’s what it takes, takes a team banding together.”

UCLA will travel to Washington next week to take on the Huskies Stadium.

St John Bosco overcomes a slow start

High School Football Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

 

Kristopher Hutson running after the catch during the High School Football Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Torrance, Ca-  On Senior night St John Bosco Braves got all they could handle on the field from visiting Santa Margarita Eagles in close one 40-38 victory at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College.

Bosco now played back to back weeks at Murdock so the team is starting to feel at home and obtaining this hard fought win was well worth it.

Players make plays is a calling card for coaches, like Jason Negro who looks to put  top kids on the field and expects them to perform.

Sophomore sensation Kristopher Hutson scored two touchdowns for the Braves to have a breakout game.

“It felt really good,” said Hutson “I was hungry and I had to step up and make plays.”

Josiah Norwood breaking out the pocket during the High School Football Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Santa Margarita started the game fast scoring the first 14 points behind quarterback Josaih Norwood. He scored second touchdown standing tall walking in end zone in 1st quarter 5:05 on the clock.

After first few series the momentum switched over to the Braves who scored 23 unanswered points to take lead 23-14 at the half.

DJ Uiagaleei standing 6’4 240 pounds throwing darts from the pocket that started to open up the running game. He threw for 400 yards passing and two touchdowns leading his team to victory.

DJ Uiagaleei surveying the field during the High School Football Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Eagles defense lack of size they made up for it with heart and effort. They had three fourth down stops in the red zone slowing down the Braves.

The Eagles offensive battled back but in the end was a field goal away from a win.

John McCartan reaching out to secure the catch during the Santa Margarita Eagles vs St. John Bosco Braves October 20, 2017 at Murdock Stadium at El Camino College. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

These teams will continue to battle in Trinity League play for the rest of the season.

Game Photos click here www.fullimage360.com

USC survives a home scare from Utah

Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
Ronald Jones II going up and over during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – With 42 seconds left on the clock Utah Utes lines up to go for a two point conversion being down by one 28-27. The home town hero quarterback Troy Williams had ball in his hands rolling to his right dodging defends looking for a open man, but sacked from behind.

The USC  Trojans who stormed back in second half scoring 21 unanswered points to get the victory at home over Utah 28-27.

“Great Job by our team,” said USC coach Clay Helton,  “Players win games.”

Sam Darnold throwing a pass during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

USC started to mount it’s comeback at start of the 4th quarter when Sam Darnold’s athleticism allowed him to boot and make the defender leave tight end Josh Falo catch the tying touchdown 21-21.

Darnold is starting to trust his tight end Tyler Petite who he threw into double coverage almost a jump ball for score to close gap 21-14 with 5:56 in 3rd quarter. He connected with Petite in first half on a 52 yard touchdown.

Troy Williams in the pocket for the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

The Coliseum has not been a good place for the Utes to play dropping seven of last eight meetings in Los Angeles.

Utah hometown hero from Los Angeles Troy Williams back behind center threw for 262 yards, with two touchdowns but was sacked 4 times too many. The last sack or tackle was the last draw.

“I feel like I had a good game. Not good enough,” said Williams, “Hopefully we just keep grinding.”

Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

A nice compliment to Williams arm is running back Zack Moss who gained 141 on 20 carries to average 7.1 yards a carry.

Darnold second fumble of the game cost his team a touchdown for the  first score of the game, 7 – 0 Utah 6:08 on the clock. But he stayed focused while Ronald Jones II and running game got started.

Jones rushed for 113 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown for 6.5 average.

Deontay Burnett holding on to catch after big hit during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 14, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

This PAC-12 South showdown in primetime under the lights for east and west coast to see these teams square off didn’t disappoint.

Now after tonight victory the Trojans have a leg up in the division race for PAC-12 game. Next Trojans will travel to South Bend to face Norte Dame.

Crenshaw gets redemption with a win over rival Dorsey

High School Football Dorsey Dons vs Crenshaw Cougars on Friday October 13, 2017 at Crenshaw High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Solomon Hassen celebrating on one of three touchdowns at the Dorsey Dons vs Crenshaw Cougars on Friday October 13, 2017 at Crenshaw High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA – Crenshaw running back Solomon Hassen took the handoff, broke a tackle near the sideline and raced 73 yards for a touchdown. The L.A. High transfer rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns as Crenshaw beat rival Dorsey, 33-14, on Friday night.

The Cougars looked primed for a run at the Coliseum League title and maybe a deep run in the new Open Division playoffs.

“That was a statement to me,” Hassen said. “Nobody in the city can handle us, I’m talking to Narbonne right there.”

Crenshaw Cougar Solomon Hassen look for more yards on Friday October 13, 2017 at Crenshaw High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Crenshaw took a 7-0 lead on a 2-yard run by Hassen on the opening drive. After a Dorsey punt, quarterback Isaiah Johnson hit Dennis Patrick for a 47-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

“The game plan was to play fast,” Hassen said. “We wanted to get on top of them in the first quarter and we did that. They couldn’t hang with us from there.”

Dorsey Dons running back Charles Mincy Jr. on the edge at Crenshaw High School. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Dorsey looked for a spark and got it on a partially blocked punt, giving them good position at Crenshaw’s 28-yard line. Dons’ running back JoJuan Collins raced to the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown to cut Crenshaw’s lead, 14-7, in the second quarter.

“They beat us last year so I wanted to come out with the fire I had from the loss,” Johnson said. “We wanted to pound the rock inside. We have faster backs then their linebackers and it showed on the field.”

Crenshaw Cougars quarterback Isaiah Johnson breaking through the line. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Johnson scored on a 13-yard run to extend the Cougars lead, 27-7, going into halftime. After a Crenshaw fumble, junior running back Charles Mincy Jr. scored from three yards out. Dorsey trailed Crenshaw, 27-14 in the third quarter.

Hassen scored his third touchdown of the game on a 35-yard run up the middle, putting the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Hassen finished with 172 yards.

Dorsey Dons Isaiah Smalls delivering a pass from the pocket during the Crenshaw game. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

El Camino Homecoming was a hit

JUCO Football 2017: LA Harbor College vs El Camino College at Murdock Stadium on October 12 for Homecoming in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
James Randolph with an interception in the LA Harbor College vs El Camino College at Murdock Stadium on October 12 for Homecoming in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Torrance, CA – After back-to-back losses and a bye week, the El Camino College football team returned to the field in dramatic fashion, scoring early and often against rival L.A. Harbor College.

Freshman running back Jacobi Hardy scored three first half touchdowns to help El Camino beat the Seahawks, 48-20, on Thursday night at Murdock Stadium.

“We took care of business tonight,” said El Camino coach Gifford Lindheim. “It was a good win on homecoming. We have to get ready for a tough conference schedule, with Mt. SAC next week.”

Jacobi Hardy looking for the edge during the LA Harbor College vs El Camino College at Murdock Stadium on October 12 for Homecoming in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

El Camino has a number of running backs who can make things happen on offense. Hardy made the best of his opportunities against the Seahawks, scoring from three yards out on the Warriors opening drive.

On the ensuing drive, El Camino defensive lineman Shawn Richard stripped Seahawks’ quarterback Jalin Scott. The Warriors capitalized on the first play with Hardy’s 9-yard touchdown run.

Shawn Richard sacking quarterback for a loss during the LA Harbor College vs El Camino College at Murdock Stadium on October 12 for Homecoming in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

“The O-line was making holes and creating space for me,” Hardy, who finished with 56 yards on 11 carries, said. “When it wasn’t there, I knew their defense could not do a lot against the speed so I just did what I could to get up field.”

Quarterback Cole Klayman extended the lead when he found wide receiver Trevon Clark in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter.

Quarterback Cole Klayman hands off to Jacobi Hardy during the LA Harbor College vs El Camino College at Murdock Stadium on October 12 for Homecoming in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Hardy scored his third touchdown of the first half on a 15-yard run and the rout was on. El Camino led at halftime, 35-0.

On defense, the Warriors forced six turnovers, including five interceptions from five different players.

“We think we have a pretty good football team,” Lindheim said. “We have showed that we can play with anybody.”

El Camino will travel to Covina District Field on Oct. 21 to take on Mt. SAC. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. L.A. Harbor will host Riverside City College.

Jarrell Mickens gliding in end zone for his second touchdown catch.
Khalil Carter dropping Harbor quarterback Jalin Scott.