Fullerton claims SCFA Championship with 23-14 win over Riverside, advances to CCCAA state title game

SCFA Championship game Most Valuable Player Jose Escobar threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown to help lead the Fullerton College Hornets to a 23-14 victory over the visiting Riverside City College Tigers on Saturday at Yorba Linda High School.

With the win, unbeaten Fullerton (12-0) claimed its first SCFA title and earned the right to represent Southern California in the CCCAA Football State Championship on December 14. Butte College defeated Fresno City College 41-21 in the Northern California championship game earlier today and will serve as host of the state title game.

Escobar came up with the big plays when the Hornets needed them most. Trailing 14-10, Escobar connected with Offensive Player of the Game Ryan Longoria for a 71-yard touchdown reception with 2:54 left in the third quarter that proved to be the game winner.

Ryan Byrd sealed the win with a nine-yard touchdown run to cap a 12-play, 84-yard drive with less than two minutes left in the game.

Fullerton totaled 563 yards of offense on its way to the win. Escobar completed 19 of 27 passes for 328 yards, including 140 yards to Longoria on just four receptions. Byrd totaled 103 yards on 19 carries and Lavorrie Johnson also ran 15 times for 70 yards.

Riverside ends its season with a 10-2 record. SCFA Central Conference Offensive Player of the Year Skyler Howard completed 22 of 36 passes for 225 yards with a touchdown and interception to lead the Tigers. He also ran for 64 yards and a TD.