Quarterback Will Madonna’s two interceptions and three fumbles proved costly with the Vikings suffering a 24-3 loss to Golden West.
The only time LBCC led the game was when kicker Ethan Smithlin kicked a 25-yard field goal midway through the first quarter to give the Vikings an early 3-0 lead.
Unfortunately for LBCC, those were their only points of the game as Golden West’s defense was stifling.
LBCC’s offensive line wasn’t helping to solve the turnover crisis as Madonna was sacked four times during the game.
Madonna had a rough game all around, only completing 16-32 passes for 99 yards.
“I thought Will looked a little confused here and there and a couple of the turnovers were rough,” LBCC head coach Brett Peabody stated about Madonna’s performance.
On the bright side, LBCC’s defense held Golden West to their second lowest point total of the year.
A stand-out moment from LBCC’s defense that had a great chance to get them back in the swing of things was when defensive back Isaiah Del Toro intercepted Golden West quarterback Braden Siri midway through the fourth quarter.
“The interception felt good, but we were down so we knew we needed a lot more to do,” Del Toro stated.
That interception unfortunately led to Golden West getting revenge as defensive back Noel Vallejo picked off Madonna just two plays after Del Toro’s interception.
The interception by Vallejo ultimately led to Golden West putting a dagger in this game.
Golden West’s drive started off with backup quarterback Luther Richesson running for a 24-yard gain.
That run was capped off by a two-yard touchdown run by offensive lineman Josiah Laban, who slotted in as a fullback on this play to give Golden West a 24-3 with 50 seconds left to go in the game.
The Vikings’ loss results in officially eliminating them from state championship contention.
With this loss, LBCC’s main focus now is to qualify for a bowl game.
“We’ve got the number three team in the state coming into our house next week. It’s gonna be a massive challenge, Mt. SAC is very very good and then we end on the season on the road at Citrus, who right now is five and two. We’ve got a lot of work to do to even make it to a bowl game,” Peabody said.
LBCC’s next game will be against Mt. SAC on Nov. 4, as this is a must-win game to help their chances to secure a bowl game.