Clifford Simms lead the rushing charge in a 49-3 victory over L.A. Harbor on Saturday night. (photo by Bobby R. Hester)
Clifford Simms lead the rushing charge in a 49-3 victory over L.A. Harbor on Saturday night. (photo by Bobby R. Hester)

No. 2 Riverside Roars Past L.A. Harbor in Conference Victory

The No. 2 Riverside City College football team hit the road for the third time this season for a Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Central Division matchup against L.A. Harbor College. The Tigers handled L.A. Harbor with ease while showing off a multitude of weapons as they cruised to a 49-3 victory and extended their undefeated streak.

Riverside distanced themselves immediately by connecting for a touchdown on their first drive of the opening quarter. Freshman wide receiver Tanarious Achan (Lafayette, CA) crossed the goal line on a 30-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Vic Viramontes (Norco, CA) for the first score of the game. Viramontes capped off the frame with a two-yard carry to the house leading to a 14-0 advantage after two successful point-after-attempts from freshman kicker John Garibay (Rubidoux, CA).

L.A. Harbor struck first in the second quarter with a field goal to trim the Tiger's lead, but Riverside responded with a 21-point outburst. Sophomore wide receiver Justice Murphy (Vancouver, WA) helmed the charge by hauling in two touchdown receptions. The first one went for an 11 yarder, while the second score came on the first play of the drive in which Viramontes tossed a 60-yard bomb to Murphy.

Sandwiched in between Murphy's pair of touchdown grabs was a 55-yard run from sophomore running back Clifford Simms (Compton, CA). The 55-yard run was a career-high for Simms as it helped the Tigers to a 28-3 second-half advantage.

The Tigers went on to score a touchdown each in the third and fourth quarter. Sophomore tight end Woody Brandom (Corona, CA) hauled in his first touchdown of the season on a nine yard pass from sophomore quarterback Matt Struck (Crater, OR). Sophomore quarterback Travis Jonsen (Anaheim, CA) put the final nail in L.A. Harbor's coffin with a 10 yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter en route to a 49-3 win.

The Tigers defense was exceptional by halting L.A. Harbor to a lone field goal. They only allowed a total of 206 yards which included forcing a third down efficiency rating on 23 percent (3-for-13). Additionally, they forced six punts while only allowing 3.2 yards-per-play.

Freshman Jash Allen (Portland, OR) lead the squad with six tackles to go along with 1.5 sacks for a loss of nine yards. Sophomore corner back Devanere Crenshaw (Riverside, CA) followed with five solo tackles, while sophomore defensive back Tyler Jones (Sandy Springs, MD) and sophomore defensive lineman Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei (Gold Coast, Australia) each recorded four tackles. Aiolupotea-Pei was a quarterback's nightmare by recording two sacks as well.

Offensively, the Tigers were downright dominant with an offense that featured numerous weapons that were all equally effective.

Viramontes continued to be as operative as ever under center by going 13-for-16 with 188 yards and three touchdown passes. He also carted the ball eight times for 26 yards and a rushing touchdown. Jonsen and Struck chipped in on the scheme with Struck tossing one touchdown pass and Jonsen rushing for a touchdown.

The running game was on point with six Tigers rushing for over 20 yards. It was led by Simms who carried the ball nine times for 135 yards and a touchdown. Freshman running back Quincy Wimbish (Murrieta, CA) followed with seven touches for 66 yards.

Murphy led the aerial strike with two touchdowns and 72 yards receiving. Sophomore wide receiver Derrick Williams (San Diego CA) and freshman wide receiver Tyrone Marshall (Los Angeles, CA) combined for six catches.

The Tigers (7-0, 2-0 SCFA-Central) look to keep in rolling in a conference game next Saturday, October 28th as the play the El Camino College Warriors on the road at 6 p.m.