In the season finale on Nov. 12, the Citrus College football team finished their 2011 season with a win over the Long Beach City Vikings by a score of 28-9.
The Owls crushed the Vikings hope of getting into playoffs and handed them their first loss in the Western Conference division.
The Owls would have closed their season with an overall record of 6-4, 4-1 in conference but because Citrus played an ineligible player, the team was forced to forfeit three wins from the 2011 season, including a conference victory over L.A. Harbor College. Because of the forfeits, Citrus College went 3-7 overall and 3-2 in conference and was eliminated from the championship race.
In the first quarter, of their final regular season game, the Vikings offense couldn't do much. However, they did score on a 37-yard field goal booted by Alex Valencia.
The Owls answered right back as running back Ricky Johnson plunged into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown to put the Owls in the lead 7-3.
Johnson finished the game with 21 carries, 107 yards and two touchdowns.
"I'm extremely happy," he said." I'm ecstatic, because this is my last game playing for the Owls. I still plan on playing football and making it to the NFL."
In the second quarter, the Owls defense dominated. Defensive lineman Jesus Vargas recorded one sack. The Vikings were 0-7 in third down conversions.
In the final minute of the half, the Owls scored when quarterback Rocky Moore threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to receiver Michael Ball giving Citrus a halftime lead 21-3.
In the second half, the Owls drove it down the field but came up scoreless when kicker Isaiah Kepley missed a 37-yard field goal attempt.
The Vikings offense continued to struggle. Then Owls defensive back Rodney Fredrick-Mathews intercepted the ball, bringing his total up to six Interceptions for the season.
In the final quarter the Owls proved to be too much for the Vikings. Owls quarterback Moore threw another touchdown pass to William Clark for 37 yards, and a Citrus lead 28-3.
Moore completed 20 out of 26 attempts for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Vikings would get the ball back driving it all the way to the red zone but Vikings quarterback Marcus Montero threw his second interception of the game. It was picked off in the end zone by defensive back Taj Teague.
The Vikings second string quarterback Willie Bobbitt came into the game and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Travon Payne. The Owls blocked the extra point, and the final score was 28-9.
"This was the best game in the season we've played," said Owls running back William Clark.
"Our team played well most of the season," said Citrus head coach Ron Ponciano. "They started out fast and finished strong."
Vikings head coach Mike Reisbig was unavailable for comment, but offensive lineman Justin Aysse was. "We didn't practice enough, and we showed it in how we played today. Nobody took it seriously," Aysse said.
With the season finale, the Owls closed their 2011 season and handed the LBCC Vikings there first loss in the Western State Conference.
"We're taking it next year," said Citrus offensive lineman Deron Jefferson.
As for Ponciano his plan for next season is to win.
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