Defense Shuts Down Antelope Valley, Hancock Football Cruises to 26-3 Win

A great defensive effort by the Hancock College Bulldogs led the team to a 3-26 victory over Antelope Valley College Saturday afternoon.

On the Bulldogs first possession, the Marauders defense did an excellent job, holding AHC to 3 plays and forcing the punt.

The Bulldogs matched the defensive effort, forcing AVC to punt in just 45 seconds.

On the next drive, the Bulldogs offense started rolling, moving the ball 43-yards in 6 plays for a touchdown and the first score of the game. The drive was highlighted by a 30-yard run by freshman quarterback Thomas Carr.

Antelope Valley attempted to answer back, charging down the field 75-yards and completing 4 first downs. But at 1^st and goal, the Bulldogs made 3 big defensive stops and forced the field goal, bringing the score to 3-7.

The AVC field-goal would be the only points the stingy Bulldogs defense would allow the rest of the game.

With a 1:21 remaining in the 1^st quarter, the Bulldogs blocked a punt by AVC and recovered the ball in the end zone for the safety. Hancock led 3-9.

At the start of the second quarter, the Bulldogs would move the ball down field, taking advantage of numerous penalties by Antelope Valley. A fumble by Carr at the 34-yard line was recovered by the Mauraders but fumbled right back and picked up by sophomore running back Ryheem Skinner.   

A 25-yard run by Skinner and a 15-yard run by freshman running back Jayden Vargas into the end zone would push the Bulldogs lead to 3-16.

Both sides would have strong defensive stands holding each other scoreless the next few possessions. 

A drive by the Bulldogs, highlighted by a 24-yard completion to freshman tight end Rashad Beechum, led to a Bulldogs field goal, extending the lead to 3-19.

Bulldogs defense would hold AVC to just 3-plays for -13-yards on the next drive, forcing the punt. However, a fumble by Hancock would give the ball right back to the Marauders.   

Hancock defense stepped up again, neutralizing the turnover with a big interception by sophomore Dominic Chapa, who returned the ball 22-yards before being taken down. Unfortunately, the Bulldogs offense was unable to convert before the half.

At the beginning of the 3^rd quarter, the Bulldogs would drive the ball for 5 first-downs and 47-yards but were unable to capitalize, missing the field goal wide left.

The Bulldogs defense would have another great defensive stand, holding AVC to just 9-yards. Freshman Angelo Ortiz flew in for the blocked punt and recovery, giving Hancock great field position at the 20-yard line.  

A 9-yard completion to sophomore wide receiver Joe Guzman and an 11-yard run by Skinner into the end zone would push the Bulldogs lead to what would be the final score of 3-26.

The Bulldogs defense held AVC to just 110 total offensive yards and not a single touchdown.

The Bulldogs will travel to Pasadena next Saturday 10/13/18 to face Pasadena City College. Kick-off is at 4pm.