Running Game a Glendale Key in WSC Bowl

It has been a trying week for the Glendale College football team.

First, construction workers accidentally cut power lines in the gym, which meant showering in the dark. Next, a gas leak gave Coach Jim Sartoris two choices--curtail practice or watch his players spontaneously combust. Sartoris chose the former.

The Vaqueros (9-2), who will play Santa Monica in the inaugural Western State Conference Bowl at Santa Monica at 7 tonight, have taken the distractions in stride, however.

“We always play better under adverse conditions,” said John Cicuto, Glendale defensive coordinator.

But that will not keep Santa Monica (6-4) from trying to make the situation as adverse as possible for the visitors.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Glendale and its coaching staff,” Coach Ralph Vidal said. “They’re as good a team as we’ve seen all year.”

The Vaqueros rely on a solid rushing attack that features tailbacks Sean Hampton (1,064 yards in 174 carries) and Doug Dragomer (937 in 137). The decision to keep the ball on the ground is based partly on inexperience at quarterback and a young offensive line.

Glendale’s strong suit is its suffocating defense, which has limited ballcarriers to 1.7 yards a carry and has racked up 23 interceptions.

But don’t expect the high-powered Santa Monica offense to quiver at those numbers. The Corsairs also boast a few standouts.

Tailback Deon Thomas leads the WSC in rushing (1,219 yards) and has gained more than 100 yards in 9 consecutive games. “He doesn’t dazzle anybody,” Vidal said. “But he’s got a lot of intangibles.”

Much of Thomas’ success can be attributed to his huge offensive line, anchored by 6-foot, 6-inch, 305-pound tackle Eduardo Vega.

Quarterback Daryl Hobbs has thrown 8 touchdown passes in the past 2 games, giving him 1,242 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.