MARAUDERS SCORE IN FINAL SECONDS TO TOP MT. SAN JACINTO

Photos by William Ortiz

The Marauders improved to 5-3 (2-1 in conference) with a 21-20 victory of the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles.

Both teams came into the contest in search of their second conference win as they were each 1-1 in the American Mountain League. The Eagles struck first with an 11-yard touchdown run by Brett Virgil. They continued to find success with the rushing attack as they scored again in the first quarter Sherod White ran it in from 17 yards out. The Eagles appeared to be on their way to a comfortable victory.

But the Marauders made defensive adjustments and didn't allow another score until late in the final quarter. The offense got going in the second quarter with a 16-play drive that went 94 yards in just over seven minutes. Kalai Clark punched it in from the 1-yard line to make it 14-7 Eagles at the half.

Both teams brought the defensive intensity into a scoreless third quarter as every drive resulted in a punt, interception, or fumble.

Antelope Valley opened up the fourth quarter with a Jaylen O'Neil touchdown run. He scored on a 12-yard run, capping off of 6-play, 79-yard drive. O'Neil had a game-high 117 yards rushing on 17 attempts with one touchdown.

With the game tied at 14-14, Brett Virgil scored his second touchdown of the game from a yard out with just under 7:00 left to play. The Eagles went for a two-point conversion and failed on an incomplete pass attempt. That would prove to be costly.

With 18 seconds left in the game, Tyler Selvig connected with Davon Jones on an 8-yard pass and catch. Lucas Seaton would convert the extra point to give AVC the lead and the win. Tyler Selvig finished 23-33 with 238 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 52 yards. Davon Jones led all receivers with113 yards on nine catches with one touchdown.

The Marauders are now 2-1 (5-3 overall) in conference play and have a critical match-up against Citrus, who sits just above them at 2-1 (7-1 overall) in the American Mountain League. AVC will face the Owls on Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 PM at Brent Carder Marauder Stadium.