GCC’s impressive run continues

GCC footballFootball: Vaqueros stretch winning streak to three following another stellar performance on the ground in 35-12 win.WOODLAND HILLS -- If it could always be this easy.

The Glendale Community College football team rarely makes it simple, but for at least one Saturday, the Vaqueros made things look effortless.

Glendale College dominated hapless L.A. Pierce College in a Western State Conference interdivisional game, as it ran away with a 35-12 road victory for its third consecutive win.

“Our team is doing what they should do,” Vaquero Coach John Cicuto said.

He was referring to Glendale College’s overwhelming running game and its staunch defensive effort against a struggling L.A. Pierce program that is now 0-6.

“You should have success [against the Brahmas],” Cicuto added.

The Vaqueros (4-2) -- off to their best start since posting an identical record through six games in the 2001 campaign, when they advanced to the U.S. Bank Beach Bowl -- had plenty of success against L.A. Pierce.

Their running game enjoyed most of it, as the duo of Jamal Rashad and Brandon McCullough again proved to be too much. Rashad eclipsed the century mark for the third consecutive game, as he totaled 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 20 carries.

McCullough had 68 yards and scored once, helping the Vaqueros record 239 rushing yards.

“We were trying to get 300 yards,” said Vaquero left guard George Aquino, who, along with right tackle Eugene Engram, right guard Albert Perez, center Will Harrahill and left tackle Daniel Partida, helped Glendale College control the clock.

Added Rashad: “The line blocks great. We’re just trying to follow them.”

All but one of Glendale College’s scores came on the ground. After quarterback Steve Martinez found Darion Donnelly open on an out pattern for a 13-yard score in the first quarter, the Vaqueros used their vaunted running game to wear down the Brahmas. McCullough scored his lone touchdown in the second quarter to give Glendale College a 14-0 lead and Martinez added an 11-yard scoring scamper of his own to end the first-half scoring with Glendale College ahead, 21-6.

Rashad took over from there, as his pair of one-yard touchdown runs in the third quarter put away L.A. Pierce.

“I knew our offense would do well,” Cicuto said.

The defense wasn’t too bad itself. The Vaqueros limited the Brahmas to 252 total yards and just one first down in the third quarter.

Their defense shut down L.A. Pierce’s running game and contained quarterback Thomas Herringshaw after the sophomore found Melvin Johnson for a 63-yard score in the second quarter.

“These guys amaze me every week,” Cicuto said.

Free safety Matt Patterson turned in another strong effort with a team-high 13 tackles. Sophomore defensive end Jason Bonwell also had five tackles, four hurries and a sack.

“We just pressured them in every aspect of the game,” Bonwell said. “We had people there on every play.”

* EDGAR MELIK-STEPANYAN covers sports. He can be reached at (818) 637-3226 or by e-mail at edgar.stepanyan@latimes.com.

STANDINGS

A look at the Western State Conference Southern Division standings following Saturday’s games.