Fullerton College Escapes With Error-Prone Victory

The only real surprise at Fullerton District Stadium Saturday night was the difficult time Fullerton College had defeating Mt. San Antonio.

The Hornets overcame four fumbles and an interception and 123 yards in penalties to defeat the Mounties, 33-19.

Fullerton (6-1 in Pacific-9, 7-2 overall) now leads the series 28-11-1. The Mounties, 0-6-1 in league, are 2-6-1 overall.

After Mike Zorn found running back John Green alone on the left side for a 20-yard scoring pass play and a 27-7 lead in the third quarter, it looked as if the Hornets had finally taken the Mounties out of the game.

But freshman Tim Brown returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards to bring the Mounties back. Earlier this year, Brown returned a kick 104 yards for a touchdown against Porterville.

It looked even worse for the Hornets when the Mounties scored again with 54 seconds left in the third quarter.

Faced with a fourth-and-goal on the 3-yard line, quarterback Rob Martin hit Greg Grey for the touchdown. The Mounties elected to go for the two-point conversion, but failed, leaving the Hornets ahead, 27-19, going into the fourth quarter.

Fullerton finally gained a comfortable lead with 9:18 left. Reggie Newkirk capped a 10-play, 80-yard drive with an 11-yard run. After a missed extra point, Fullerton led, 33-19.

The Fullerton defense struggled at times, giving up 307 total yards--254 passing.

Mixing a series of short passes with some longer tosses over the middle, Martin was able to confuse the Hornets at times. He was 29 for 51 for 254 yards.

Fullerton turned a close game at halftime, 14-7, into more of the game it expected with two quick scores to open the third quarter. After the first Hornet drive of the second half stalled inside Mt. SAC’s 40, the Mounties took over on downs.

Martin’s first pass was intercepted by Willie Mack and returned 26 yards for the score.

Among the 14 penalties against Fullerton were four unsportsmanlike conduct calls.

“We did not play very well tonight,” Coach Hal Sherbeck said. “Mt. San Antonio just came out fired up and did a good job against us on both sides of the ball.”

Although Fullerton is expected to accept an invitation to the PONY Bowl, Sherbeck would not confirm the postseason destination of his team.