The MSJC football team built a 21-0 lead on Saturday, but could not hold on as they lost their 2018 Homecoming game against Antelope Valley 26-21.
The Eagles came out of the gates strong as they took the opening kick off and marched down the field 55 yards in 11 plays to take an early lead. Semaj Wren capped off the drive with a one yard TD run and after Victor Carbajal's extra point MSJC led 7-0. The Eagles special teams then got involved as they blocked an AVC field goal attempt and DeJon Hopes scooped it up and ran the ball back to midfield. From there MSJC needed just five plays to score again, this time on a Wren run of 9 yards to push the lead to 14-0. Early in the second period the Eagles extended the lead to 21-0 with a 55 yard, 8 play drive that finished with Brett Virgil connecting with C.J. Sullivan on a 23 yard touchdown pass. MSJC seemed to be in complete control of the game, but two touchdowns in the final 6:17 of the half by Antelope Valley seemed to stem the tide going into halftime.
The Marauders opened the second half with a quick 4 play 78 yard drive that cut the lead to 21-20 and failed to tie it up when they missed the extra point, leaving the Eagles clinging to a one point lead. MSJC would be forced to punt on their next possession and when AVC went 80 yards in just 3 plays they had come all the way back to take a 26-21 lead with 9:32 to play in the third quarter. Both defensive units took over from that point on as neither team was able to score the rest of the way. The Eagles had a couple opportunities, but came away empty on a first and goal from the AVC 9 in the third quarter, and then on their final drive of the day got it down to the AVC 12 yard line before turning it over on downs.
Wren finished his day with 92 yards rushing on 15 carries to lead the offense, Virgil ended his afternoon going 17 of 36 passing for 175 yards, a TD, and 2 interceptions. James Phillips had a game high 7 receptions for 58 yards and Micah Lowden had a game high 66 yards receiving. The Eagle defense was led by Travis Shippen who had 8 total tackles on the day, Vincente Flores and Ryan Marty each had 2 tackles for loss.
The loss drops MSJC to 6-2 on the season and 1-2 in American Mountain League action while Antelope Valley improved to 3-5 and 1-2. The Eagles will travel to Palm Desert this Saturday to take on College of the Desert in the Annual Palms to Pines Trophy game. The Roadrunners will come into Saturday night's contest with a record of 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the AML. Kick off on November 3rd is set for 6 pm. MSJC will play their final regular season home game on Saturday November 10th when they host Citrus.