JC FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Moorpark Explodes Against Rio Hondo, 44-3

After losing Saturday afternoon to Moorpark College, 44-3, Rio Hondo understands how the Raiders earned a second-place tie with Compton College in the Western State Conference. Moorpark is now set for a showdown with first-place Glendale next Saturday.

Moorpark, which exploded for 21 second-quarter points, is now 4-1 in conference play. Rio Hondo fell to 1-4.

Trailing 3-0 in that prolific second quarter, Moorpark took over on the Rio Hondo 37 after defensive back Kyle Johnson intercepted a Mike Fuentes pass. Sophomore quarterback Ken Lutz then guided the Raiders down the field, connecting with wide receiver Dan Russell for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 7:49 left in the second period.

The Roadrunners mishandled the football on the kickoff and the Raiders recovered at the Rio Hondo 23. It took Moorpark just three plays to increase their lead to 14-3 after running back Uasi Latu ran three yards for a score with 7:16 left in the half.

Moorpark took a 21-3 lead into halftime when Lutz, who completed 10 of 16 passes for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, threw to Paul Davis in the left corner of the end zone with just over two minutes remaining.

Rio Hondo, which defeated Allan Hancock last week, 14-7, scored first when Ray Bozigian kicked a 26-yard field goal with four minutes left in the first quarter.

Bob Snyder’s 52-yard kickoff return opened the third quarter and set up Moorpark’s fourth touchdown of the game. Lutz moved the Raiders 48 yards in five plays with freshman running back Jim Bittner barreling over the final four yards.

Moorpark scored a safety after Rio Hondo punter John Pimentel took a high snap from center and was trapped in the end zone later in the third quarter.

Moorpark’s reserve quarterback, Mike Gottsch, then teamed with Darren McKinney for a 10-yard score with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter to make it 37-3. The Raider’s final touchdown came on a three-yard Latu run with just over four minutes left in the game.