Fullerton Scores Early and Often, 54-9

Fullerton College, which opened the season with a loss to Rancho Santiago last week, finally found its form as the Hornets scored on their first five possessions Saturday night on their way to a 54-9 victory over Orange Coast College in nonconference action in front of 3,000 in Fullerton District Stadium.

It was the worst defeat the Pirates have suffered at the hands of Fullerton in 27 meetings.

It only took the Hornets three plays to score in their first possession. Sophomore running back John Green broke for a 72-yard touchdown run. He led Fullerton’s rushing attack with 132 yards on 5 carries and 2 touchdowns. It was quite a contrast to last week’s game against Rancho Santiago when he fumbled six times in Fullerton’s surprising 27-23 loss.

Fullerton also was dominant in the air as quarterback Mike Zorn completed 9 of 18 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Zorn only played two series in the second half before being relieved by Thomas Duarte.

Fullerton (1-1) outgained OCC (0-1-1), 416-241, in total offense. But Hal Sherbeck, Hornet coach, credited his defense for shutting down the Pirate wishbone.

“You can never be sure if you practiced enough when you have to play position defense, but I thought our team did a good job,” he said.

OCC’s only touchdown was a 68-yard run by Chris Mendenhall, who had 123 yards on 11 carries.

Even with most of the regulars on the bench in the second half, Fullerton continued to move the ball. For example, the Hornets’ last touchdown drive of 54 yards tool just 2 minutes and 21 seconds.

The Hornets had planned a field goal attempt on the drive, but a bad snap forced Duarte to pass. He found Matt Logan wide open in the end zone.