Emigh’s Play Saves Victory for Fullerton

Joseph Emigh blocked a field goal as time expired to preserve Fullerton’s 14-12 nonleague victory over Anaheim Thursday at Fullerton Stadium.

The Indians (1-0) had taken their first lead of the game with 44 seconds to play when David Brookman caught a three-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Justin Bruce.

But Anaheim (0-1) came back, driving to the Fullerton 13-yard line, thanks to an acrobatic 50-yard pass completion from Luis Gomez to Jesus Acevedo. After the next three plays were incomplete passes, the Colonists sent in Jimmy Gorman with 1 second left to attempt a 23-yard field goal. The snap was low, which enabled Emigh to make the block.

Emigh led Fullerton’s offense, rushing for 113 yards in 24 attempts. He also scored the Indians’ first touchdown, a 35-yard screen pass from Bruce midway through the third quarter.

Anaheim scored first when Gomez connected with Gorman on a three-yard pass. The extra-point attempt failed and the Colonists led, 6-0, at halftime.

Fullerton regained the lead when Gomez found Jesus Acevedo with a one-yard touchdown pass with 8:38 to play. Gomez completed 13 of 40 attempts for 227 yards. Acevedo kept the scoring drive alive with a 33-yard reception on a third-and-30 play. The senior caught eight passes in the game for 156 yards.

Both teams had trouble holding onto the ball. There were seven interceptions and six fumbles.

Bruce completed only three of 12 attempts, but two of those were touchdowns. The third, a 62-yard completion, set up the winning touchdown.