For the first time this season, the LBCC Vikings didn’t score on their opening drive. Unfortunately, they didn’t score on any other drive, either, picking up their only points on a kickoff return for a touchdown in a 43-7 loss to Fullerton in their final home game of the 2008 season.  The Vikings managed just 74 yards of offense in the contest, and committed six turnovers.

Fullerton struggled on the ground against the Vikes, posting only 26 yards, but the Hornets flew just fine as they racked up 264 yards through the air.  A Stephen Burton kick return to start the game gave the Vikings the ball on their own 34, where they lined up and prepared for their now-familiar march down the field.  Instead, quarterback Josh Powell threw an interception to the Hornets’ Lee Aguirre on his first pass attempt—things unraveled from there.  The Hornets punched the ball in three plays later, taking a 7-0 lead less than a minute in.

Later in the first, Powell threw another pick that set up a 17 play, 76-yard drive that ended in a field goal, and the Hornets were up 10-0.  The Vikings’ next drive ended in a safety, and Darryl Shine returned the ensuing kickoff for a 70-yard score, putting LBCC down 19-0.  Midway through the second quarter Vikes QB Josh Powell left the game, finishing with 3/9 passing for 23 yards and two interceptions—he was also sacked four times.

His replacement, Antonio Mendez, didn’t fare much better on the night, going 4/7 for 28 yards and just one pick.  Darren “Crockett” Tubbs was once again the leader on the ground, with 13 carries for 54 yards, an average of just over four per carry.  Midway through the third quarter, trailing 22-0, Stephen Burton returned a kickoff 85 yards for the Vikings’ only score. 

LBCC will close their 2008 season next Saturday, in a game against Orange Coast College.