Pete Moye’
Sports Button

Sending its sophomores out with and back-to-back National Division Northern Conference championships, the Cerritos College football team defeated Allan Hancock College 35-27 on Saturday at Falcon Stadium.

Prior to the game, the Falcons’ sophomores players were recognized by those in attendance for their contributions to the team.

The match-up featured a defensive struggle between both teams as the Bulldogs attained 133 yards, compared to 141 yards by Cerritos College.

AHC struck first in the game on a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Brundy from quarterback Brandon Jeffries.

Cerritos would respond just before the first half ended as quarterback Brandon Denker threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Clark Evans.

Denker struggled throughout the first half, completing two passes for nine yards.

The offense for both teams picked up in the second half.

Jeffries threw a pass to freshman wide receiver Cameron Rogers who streaked up the field for an 58-yard score.

Four plays later, Denker answered back by throwing a 26-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Garrion Manning.

Manning caught his sixth touchdown of the season.

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, which would be full of scoring for both teams, running back Cory Westbrook capped off an eight-play 80-yard drive for the Falcons with a one-yard scamper into the end zone.

The bulldogs were quick to strike back Jeffries threw his third touchdown of the game to wide receiver Shane Henderson.

Denker took matters into his own “legs” and ran for an 18-yard touchdown and after the Falcons allowed a run for a touchdown, Denker scored another rushing touchdown.

He finished the game with 100 yards on five completions, 67 yards on 10 carries and four total touchdowns.

On their final possession of the game, the Bulldogs advanced the ball before finally getting it to the two-yard line.

The Falcons stopped them for three downs.

The down and distance was set at fourth and goal on the two-yard line, defensive tackle Kyle Peko and linebacker Chass Glaspie exploded through the Bulldogs’ offensive line and tackled Bulldogs running back Cameron Artis-Payne stopping him short and ending the final opportunity for AHC.

AHC struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the red zone. The Bulldogs scored on only three of the eight chances it had while the Falcons were successful in all four of their attempts.

Westbrook had a career night as he rushed for a touchdown 156 yards on 20 carries.

Freshman Chass Glaspie had a breakout game against the Bulldogs, piling 17 total tackles and forcing a fumble that he advanced for 36 yards.

The Falcons conclude their regular season on a five-game conference win

streak.

The win also solidifies the Falcons’ winning the NDNC championship out-right.

Denker said, “It feels good to win conference out right and come out with a victory.”

Freshman defensive back Myan Tave added, “It is a great opportunitity win another championship with this team, especially getting a two-in-a-row for Coach Mo,” he said. “I’m ready to come back and get a three-peat next season.”

According to the Cerritos College sports information website, the two divisional champions earn an automatic playoff bid while a Power Rating Index determines the other two teams.

Cerritos will travel to play Palomar College on Saturday in the first round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs.

The Falcons lost to the Comets 41-27 on Sept. 10.