RCC blitzes LA Harbor 28-0 in the second half

RIVERSIDE (9-22-2012) – After a slow start that led to RCC trailing at halftime to begin their Central Conference opener, host RCC trounced LA Harbor with a 28-0 skunk in the second half. Led by back-up quarterback Zach Adkins, running back Jamil Austin, wide receiver Devonn Brown, and a suffocating team defense, the Tigers (3-1 overall, 1-0 Central Conference) turned a 7-3 halftime deficit into a 31-7 victory Saturday night.

To start the game, Riverside kicked off to LA Harbor, and three plays later Ajay Fanene picked off quarterback Brandon Edward's pass for a 28–yard return that came within four yards of a touchdown with less than two minutes into the game. After three unsuccessful attempts to get into the end zone, kicker Tyler Rausa netted a 20-yard field goal, in what would be Riverside's only score in the first half.

Disappointed in their offensive execution and their late first-half touchdown given up to the Seahawks, the Tigers exploded with a  60-yard drive with 53 seconds into the second half that climaxed with a 5-yard rushing touchdown by EJ Schexnayder. Nearly four minutes later, Edwards threw his second interception to Paul Senn at the Riverside 29-yard line. Four plays and 69 yards later, the Tigers found themselves up 17-7 after Adkins connected with Brown for 37-yard touchdown reception.  The Tigers defense remained stingy, limiting the Seahawks to only 23 yards gained on their next 10 possessions. After three quarters, RCC led 24-7, with the last touchdown being a 1-yard rush by Austin.

After Riverside forced a turnover on downs by LA Harbor with 13:40 left in the fourth quarter, Adkins and Brown connected on two huge plays to finalize the game score. Adkins hit Brown with a 52-yard pass, and then, a play later, Adkins teamed up with Brown for a 23-yard touchdown reception.   

Adkins surgically completed 11 of 12 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns, Austin rushed 14 times for 102 yards and a touchdown, and Brown caught seven passes for 144 yards with two touchdown receptions.

Chris Gonzalez and Ryan Coleman led the Tiger defense with 11 and 10 tackles respectively, and Charles Tuaau preyed upon LA Harbor quarterback Edwards with three sacks.

Riverside will travel to play winless Long Beach City (0-4) on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Photo provided by Dan Henley/Special to Viewpoints: Backup quarterback Zach Adkins was indeed ready for his opportunity as he carved up LA Harbor's defense.