FC CRUSHES ORANGE COAST

Fullerton won its third straight after crushing Orange Coast College at home on Saturday afternoon 71-12.

The Hornet victory gives the team an overall record of 4-1 with a SCFA Central record of 2-0, while the Pirates remain winless at 0-5, 0-2.

The Pirates and Hornets have been clashing on the field since 1948, which was a 33-7 victory for Fullerton under head coach Ed Goddard. Including today's game, these two teams have played one another a total of 65 times with FC owning the all-time series at 38-24-3.

The Hornets exploded for 10 touchdowns in this game, which is just short of the record of 12 set in 2018 against Santa Ana College. QB Chris Lundsberg went off today tossing 4 touchdown passes that tied the record for most points scored in a game with 24. The Hornets also tied for second most points scored in a game at 71- the 2019 squad did it against San Diego Mesa.

Fullerton wasted no time striking on their first two possessions with quarterback Chris Lundsberg connecting on touchdown passes to JT Weir from 32 yards out and Logan Lester from 18 yards in the opening two minutes of the game. Jack Schierholz got in on the action later on adding a 34-yard scoring strike to Harlem Harris for 20-6 Hornets 20-6 lead by the end of the first quarter.

The Hornet quarterbacks efficiently spread the ball around with Schierholz going 10 for 13 for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns. Lundsberg finished 5-of-7 for 153 yards and 4 TDs, while Corin Rynders added 110 yards and 3 touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing).

JT Weir turned in a near record-setting performance hauling in 7 receptions for 267 yards and three touchdowns. The 267 yard receiving falls just a yard short of the team record of 268 set by Joe Kelly in 1982 against Bakersfield. Luke Indorf also scored twice, while Tyson Lewis added a 34-yard touchdown reception.

While the passing game shined, Fullerton's ground attack contributed as well. Dominic Ancich ran for 54 yards, Harris added 30 yards with a touchdown, and Rynders powered in a short score. Overall, the Hornets racked up 602 yards of total offense averaging 11.4 yards per play.

The Hornet defense kept the Pirates in check allowing just 303 yards of offense and forcing a key turnover with a forced fumble by Braedon Wedel. Muhammad Hassouneh led the unit with 7 tackles (3 solo).

Fullerton built a commanding 44-9 halftime lead and never looked back outscoring Orange Coast 21-3 in the third quarter before closing it out in the fourth. It was a big win for the Hornets, however there are many solid opponents coming up on the schedule.

Up Next: Fullerton (4-1 overall, 2-0 Conference) will have a bye next weekend (Saturday, Oct. 4th), but will be back in action on Thursday, October 9^th when the Hornets travel up to College of the Canyons for Centra Conference matchup at 5:00 pm.

*Photo by Kaysea Luna