Riverside's Big First Half Keeps Mt. SAC at Bay
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Riverside (6-2) | 7 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
|
Mt. San Antonio (3-3) | 7 | 0 | 10 | 8 | 25 |
It was a heavyweight battle under the lights on Saturday night as longtime rivals faced off in Southern California Football Association (SCFA) conference play. The Riverside City College football team hit the road to challenge the Mt. San Antonio College Mounties in a game that could end up deciding the Tiger's playoff fate.
The Tigers came out punching by putting up 28 points in the first half. Despite failing to score in the second half, Riverside was able to keep the Mounties at bay leading to a 28-25 triumph.
Riverside has won the past two meetings against the Mounties. This was the slimmest margin of victory after the Tigers routed the Mounties in the 2019 SCFA Regional Championship game, 68-0.
It was an even battle across the board. The Tigers held the slight edge on offense by accumulated 380 total yards to the Mounties' 305. They averaged 5.6 yards-per-play with nearly two third of their offense coming through the air.
The aerial attack was led by freshman Jordan Barton. In his second-career start since taking over the starting duties last week, he recorded a career-high three passing touchdowns. He went 25-for-34 with 246 yards and completed passes to nine different weapons.
Sophomore Jammal Houston was his favored target as he hauled in six grabs for 70 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. He has benefited tremendously from the quarterback switch as he has caught six passes and one touchdown in each conference game.
Freshman Walter Brooks had a career-high game as he reeled in six grabs for 30 yards. Sophomore Thomas Kinslow, freshman Devvin Gitchuway and freshman Juwan Tucker each had three catches as well.
Kinslow did not get much going on the ground on 11 carries, but was able to cross the goal line on a a nine-yard reception early in the second quarter. Freshman Lawrence Starks was the lead back with 16 carries leading to 50 yards.
Defensively, the Tigers had two turnovers and thrived on their rush defense. They halted the Mounties to 108 yards on the ground and 2.8 yards-per-tote.
Sophomore Nathan Bolton rose up for an interceptions and added four tackles.THe secondary was everywhere. Freshman Demarco Moorer finished with eight total tackles, while freshman Carlton Johnson finished with six.
Sophomore D'Avonte Davis-Smith recovered a fumble that was forced by freshman Raysean Gilmore.
