PCAA Roundup : Long Beach Passes a Victory Fullerton’s Way, 38-27

Cal State Fullerton had overcome more than 120 yards in penalties . . . and a 13-point deficit . . . and a fumble at its nine-yard line . . . and two wide-open receivers overthrown in the end zone . . . and freshman quarterback Tony Dill’s inexperience. Finally, all that scrambling had given the Titans the lead, a four-point advantage with five minutes to play.

Yet, Fullerton’s troubles seemed to be just beginning.

Cal State Long Beach quarterback Doug Gaynor had the football and time remaining on the clock.

Already Saturday, Gaynor had set the NCAA single-season record for most completions, and was ready to pad that total with another quick dash down the field. All afternoon, Gaynor had sent footballs smacking into the hands of white-shirted receivers, and with 4:20 remaining, he did it again.

Sure enough, Gaynor hit wide receiver Charles Lockett in the hands--but on this play, Lockett’s hands weren’t sure enough. The football squirted right through them and wound up in the arms of Fullerton safety Mike Romero. Romero didn’t let go until he was in the end zone--the result of a 35-yard interception return--and the Titans had the final points in a 38-27 victory over the 49ers before 4,012 fans at Santa Ana Stadium.

Just like that, a couple of coveted records came crumbling down for Long Beach.

First was the 49ers’ won-lost record. Despite all of Gaynor’s gains through the air--3,559 yards and 19 touchdowns--Long Beach would wind up its 1985 season a nondescript 6-6.

And second, there was Gaynor’s bid to break Steve Young’s single-season completion percentage record of .713. Gaynor completed 26 of 37 passes for 297 yards Saturday--giving him a final season’s percentage of . . . .712.

If that pass to Lockett winds up in 49er hands, a lot of things might have changed.

Instead, Cal State Fullerton finds itself in position to finish 1985 with a winning record. The Titans are 5-5 with one game remaining--at home against Pacific.