City College football capped off its first four-game winning streak since 1991 Saturday with a 28-21 victory against an explosive West L.A. offense at La Playa Stadium.
“In a game with a lethal offense on the other side, your offense really has to step up,” said head Coach Craig Moropoulos. “And they did that.”
The Vaqueros improved to 4-1 in the American Pacific Conference behind Antelope Valley, who is undefeated in league play.
“We have got to concentrate on us,” said Moropoulos. “They (Antelope Valley) kind of control their own destiny.”
The current win streak has been a byproduct of timely scoring on offense and a bend-but-don’t-break defense, which forces turnovers.
The Vaquero running game has improved, eclipsing 200 yards on the ground for the second week in a row. The shifty running of Trayone Harris and powerful lead blocking by Tristan Carter have been key.
“The offensive-line has really been coming together,” said Carter, who sealed the victory with a 46-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.
In the opening minute of the game, a West L.A. player suffered a concussion and remained on the field for 20 minutes, as the medical personnel tended to him. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Following the delay, the Vaqueros marched methodically down the field on a 14-play 65-yard drive. The effort led to a touchdown on a quarterback sneak by Austin Civita. The touchdown gave City College the early momentum and a 7-0 lead.
After a fumble by Civita early in the second quarter, West L.A. scored its first touchdown on a fade from quarterback Ryan Rosenvall to wide-receiver Armauni Johnson. This tied the game.
Rosenvall entered the game, leading the American Pacific Conference in passing while guiding the potent West L.A. attack.
The Vaqueros answered with another score – just before halftime – on a play-action pass from Civita to Jed Elsberry.
City College led 28-14 late in the fourth quarter, but a furious rally by West L.A. resulted in a touchdown. This cut the lead to 28-21 with just over 2 minutes remaining.
West L.A. recovered the ensuing onside kick, setting the stage for a final game-deciding drive. The visitors were able to push into Vaquero territory before an interception by linebacker Ken Dorset ending the threat.
The Vaqueros host L.A. Valley Saturday at La Playa stadium with their sights set on a conference championship.