Backup quarterback Gabriel Thomas led the Vikings on their only scoring drive in their 44-7 loss to Palomar.

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October 20, 2007

Football:
Tough season for Long Beach continues, falls to Palomar 44-7

The Long Beach City College football team couldn’t keep up with No. 9 state-ranked Palomar College, as the Vikings dropped a 44-7 Mission Football Conference American Division game at Wilson Stadium in Escondido.

Palomar totaled 437 yards of offense while Long Beach managed just 173 yards.

Palomar got its scoring started after a two-yard touchdown run by Marquis Leuma that capped a 14-play, 80-yard drive with 5:02 left in the first quarter.

Comets quarterback Hunter Wanket tossed three straight TD passes to wide receiver Tobias Shanks to build up a commanding 27-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Backup freshman quarterback Gabriel Thomas sparked the LBCC offense to its only score of the contest in the fourth. Thomas connected with freshman wide receiver Reggie Richardson for passes of 39 and 18 yards to send the Vikings into Palomar territory.

Thomas ran six times for 24 yards and closed the drive with a two-yard touchdown run at the 11:29 mark to cut the lead to 27-7.

Wanket tossed his fourth TD pass, Joe Carithers nailed a 41-yard field goal, and Gerardo Powell intercepted a Thomas pass and ran it back 33 yards for the final touchdown to bring the score of 44-7.

On defense, sophomore linebacker Jonte Stroud led the Vikings with seven tackles (six solo) and two fumble recoveries. Freshman defensive end Bryan Braman had another standout game, posting six solo tackles, three sacks, and two quarterback hurries.

Freshman punter Dustin Abrams’ 72-yard kick tied for the longest punt in the Mission Conference this season. Abrams averaged a season-best 41.9 yards over eight punts (335 yards).

The loss dropped Long Beach to 1-6 overall and 0-2 in the MFC American Division. Palomar improved to 6-1 and 2-0 in division play.

LBCC is back in action next Saturday (Oct 27) when it takes on Fullerton College at Veterans Memorial Stadium at 5 pm.