Updated: Nov. 1, 2015 | Written by Laura M. Tapia & James H. Williams
Riverside City College are ranked fifth in the CCCFCA state poll and remain undefeated at home while the team provided Long Beach City College with its first loss of the 2015 season, 34-14, Halloween night.
The Vikings entered the game as the No. 1 state ranked football team but a victory for the Tigers would come as no surprise as the team was ranked as the No. 1 team for six consecutive weeks this season.
RCC head coach Tom Craft stated that the program really changed its ways leading up to the game in practice after its loss to Mt. San Antonio.
“For us to get to this point we changed our format and approach in practice,” said Craft. “We got back to grinding. We had some injuries but it is the next man up. Sua Moi filled in for Leo and we made some changes on the offensive line.”
Quarterback Ian Fieber completed 33 of his 41 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns, which included two touchdown passes to receiver KJ Young.
“Ian played a great game tonight. He took care of the ball,” he said. “Kyrion Parker was struggling with his ailment. He finally came out tonight and did a great job along with (Young). Those two guys were fantastic.”
Young finished the night with 146 yards on 12 receptions.
“I am just selling myself out for the team. It was a big game in league play,” Young said. “We have been working hard all week for Long Beach. It is not about me. It is about the team.”
While Young did miss two games of the season, he has proven to be a top target for RCC’s quarterbacks.
“When Fieber is hot like that it is trouble (for opposing defenses),” Young explained. “We can just leave it at that.”
Seth Acda was limited to 45 rushing yards out of the backfield.
The running game for the Tigers finished with a total loss of two yards but Craft stated that the players at the position are battling through injuries. He also stated that the situation surrounding the running game will be dealt with week to week based on who they play and health.
The defense limited a Vikings’ offense that averages 33 points a game this season to just 14 points.
“I also cannot say enough about the defense hanging in there,” said Craft. “The turnovers were a big key and we converted the turnovers.”
LBCC had four turnovers in the loss including three intercepted passes, all from different Tigers defenders, and a forced fumble.
Linebacker AJ Hotchkins led the Tigers with 12 total tackles.
Riverside City College will play at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 against Chaffey College. The game will conclude a night in which RCC celebrates its centennial.
VIDEO TOUCHDOWN: Tigers’ KJ Young scores for first TD of the night. Tigers lead 10-0 with 8:40 remaining in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/kMxJuLwD2p
— Laura M Tapia (@LMTReporter) November 1, 2015