Tiger Football Climbs to Fourth Overall in the State

After a thrilling 20-14 victory over the Golden West College Rustlers on Saturday night, the Riverside City College football program earned the fourth overall spot in the most recent 2017 JC Athletic Bureau of California Community College Football Coaches rankings.

Fullerton, American River, and Butte College make up the top three in the rankings while fellow Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Central Division foes in No. 6 Mt. San Antonio No. 8 El Camino, and No. 14 Long Beach round out the top-15.

The Tigers have begun the season with two victories that include Saturday's win over Golden West and a commanding 52-9 victory over the Victory Valley Rams in their season opener. A number of athletes have made a huge impact so far this season in a balanced attack that features a plethora of weapons.

Sophomore quarterback Vic Viramontes (Norco, CA) has led the offensive charge by pacing the Tigers on the ground with 212 rushing yard en route to three touchdowns. Furthermore, he has tossed a pair of touchdown passes. Freshman quarterback Travis Jonsen (Anaheim, CA) has captained the aerial strike by passing for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore wide receiver Cam Sutton (Moreno Valley, CA) leads the receiving core with two touchdown catches off seven receptions, while sophomore wide receiver Malik Holcomb (Chicago, IL) leads in receiving yards with 86.

Freshman defensive back Evan Gutierrez (Fontana, CA) paces the defense with 11 total tackles that include three stops behind the line of scrimmage. He is averaging 5.5 tackles-per-game. Sophomore defensive lineman Misiona Aiolapotea-Pei (Gold Coast, Australia) and freshman linebacker Moroni Anae (San Diego, CA) both have eight stops on the year and average five stops-per-contest.

Freshman kicker John Garibay (Rubidoux, CA), the SCFA Central Week One Special Teams Player of the Week, is second on the team in points with 12. He has booted a 28-yard field goal and converted nine extra point attempts.

The No. 4 Tigers travel to Bakersfield, CA to face off against the No. 11 Renegades who are undefeated as well. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.