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By Nick Escalera
The No.1 ranked Riverside City College football team dropped to No.3 after suffering its first loss of the season in overtime against Orange Empire Conference opponent Long Beach City College, 38-31, at Veteran Memorial Stadium on Nov. 5.
Both teams ended the first quarter tied at three a piece, only managing to kick field goals, in what was the beginning of an epic game.
Riverside fell behind early in the second quarter giving up a 19-yard touchdown pass, but would tie it up at 10 with a 13-yard touchdown pass of their own from quarterback Collyn Anderson to wide receiver Dominique Maiden.
The passing game was too much for the Tigers to handle as they gave up an 8-yard touchdown reception just before the half ended giving the Vikings a 17-10 lead.
Once more the Vikings scored a touchdown on a pass, this time for 28-yards extending the their lead to 24-10.
The Tigers did not back down scoring on a six yard pass to Seth Acda from Anderson as the clock expired in the third quarter. Once more Anderson gave Maiden a 37-yard pass recovering the onside kick.
John Hilfer missed the point after an attempt on Acda’s touchdown reception, but that did not faze the Tigers offense from coming back.
With just under five minutes remaining in the game, the Tigers took hold of the lead for the first time all game with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Anderson to Malik Yoakum and converting the 2-point conversion putting them up 31-24.
Just like Riverside, Long Beach did not stand down, scoring an 11-yard pass tying the game at 31 and sending it to overtime.
Long Beach would start with the ball first and would complete a 13-yard pass for the touchdown and put them up 38-31.
The Tigers needed to score a touchdown and make the point after attempt to continue the game, but could only manage to get to the 12-yard line and turn the ball over on downs to end the game.
The Tigers still have a chance at the California Community College Athletics Association State playoffs and force a must win game against OEC and rival opponent Mt. San Antonio College at Wheelock Stadium on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
