Pete Moye’
Sports Button
Powered by the rushing tandem of running backs Donald Livingston and Cory Westbrook, the Cerritos College football team defeated Bakersfield College Saturday 41-19, to capture at least a share of the National Division Northern Conference championship.
After defeating the Renegades (3-6, 0-4) on a last-second field goal block ran back for a touchdown by former defensive back Tyrone Taylor and safety Keith McGill (University of Utah) last season, the Falcons’ offense thrived in this season’s match-up, culminating for a 433-yard performance.
The duo of Livingston and Westbrook, who filled in for starting running back Thomas Gray who is lost for the season with an injury, combined for more than 160 yards and a touchdown.
Westbrook has thrived in his new role in the Falcons’ backfield, scoring a touchdown in this game. He also had three in the Falcons’ 48-42 victory over College of the Canyons on Oct. 29. His season total stands at five.
Livingston’s production has also improved as he has rushed for 289 yards in the last three games compared to the 174 yards he rushed for in the first six games that he played in.
The Falcons have defeated their last four opponents (all in-conference) to improve their record to 6-3, 4-0 in NDNC play and they have earned a spot in the Southern California Regional Playoffs.
The Falcons opened the game with a seven-play 66-yard drive capped off by a 12-yard scamper for a touchdown by quarterback Brandon Denker.
Bakersfield responded with a field goal but the Falcons answered right back.
Westbrook pounded the ball in for a two-yard touchdown run.
The Falcons’ offense attained a 34-13 lead by halftime before finishing off the Renegades in the second half.
Cerritos’ defense had its best game of the season statistically, giving up a season-low 182 total yards of offense. The previous low was 220 yards to West Los Angeles College.
Defensive Back Dwan Gill picked off a pass for the third consecutive game, bringing his interception count for the season to five. Freshman linebacker Will Peppard also had an interception that he advanced for 18 yards.
Safety Daniel Roundtree led the defensive in tackles with six.
Cerritos will conclude its regular season schedule by hosting Allan Hancock College (6-3, 2-2) at Falcon Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m.
