The Bowl Preview: Western State Bowl

Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Football team is in the Southern California Football Alliances' post-season for the first time since 2007. The Owls, ranked #7 in the final regular season Coaches Poll, will be taking on SoCal #8 Fullerton College at Fullerton Union High School on Saturday evening. Kick-off is set for 6:00 PM.

About the Matchup
This is the 30th meeting overall between Citrus College and Fullerton College, and the first since the 2007 season. In 2007, the two teams also squared off in a bowl game, then the inaugural Orange County Bowl at Orange Coast College. In the 30's, 50's, 60's, late 70's and early 80's the two schools nearly squared off each and every year. That all ceased though in 1983, as the two schools no longer shared conferences and didn't meet back up on the gridiron until 2007. The two schools also squared off in Citrus' first full season of football back in 1927. That game ended in a 0-0 tie. Fullerton has more or less dominated the previous 29 meetings, as they hold a 23-4-2 record over Citrus College in that span.

About the Hornets
Fullerton has had a stellar 2012 campaign posting a 6-4 overall record and 5-1 mark in National Division Southern Conference play. The Hornets tied Saddleback College for the conference championship, but the Gauchos owned the tie-breaker and the right to advance to the Southern California playoffs over Fullerton as they beat them head to head.

The Hornets boast a potent offense that averages 39.1 points per game, the 8th best mark in the entire State. Fullerton is led by freshman quarterback Conor Bednarski who is completing 54.9% of his passes for 2202 yards and 23 touchdowns. Freshman wideout Eli Pleasant has been the Hornets go to guy on the outside as he's caught 43 passes for 640 yards and 11 touchdowns. Fullerton also boasts an impressive ground game, as freshman Ryan Byrd has over 700 yards rushing, is averaging 86.1 yards a game and 7.8 yards a carry to go with seven touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, Fullerton boasts one of the top secondaries in Southern California, paced by sophomore Najee James who leads the Hornets in tackles (63), breakups (4), and has added an interception for good measure. Behind James on the tackles leader board are a trio of linebackers in freshman Justin Owens (55 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss), freshman Simon Poti (46 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss), and sophomore Josh Seiler (42 tackles, 4 sacks).

Last Time Out
The Owls are coming off a tough 36-21 loss to LA Harbor College in their regular season finale last Friday. Citrus gave up 33 unanswered points in the first half, and despite a solid second half effort, never recovered. Freshman quarterback Bernard Porter completed 16 passes for 179 yards and 3 TD's, but was also saddled with 2 interceptions. Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Kepley caught two of Porter's three touchdown passes and also picked up 75 yards through the air. Defensively sophomore Rodney Mathews and freshman Maurice Dupleasis led the way as both had seven tackles. Freshman defensive lineman Vincent Gardella also had a strong showing with six tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for a loss.

The Owls and Bowl History
Since 1974, the Citrus College Football team has appeared in ten post-season Bowl Games. In that span, Citrus is 3-7 in those contests. In their last six bowl games, the Owls have unfortunately been on the losing side of things. Citrus' last victory in a post-season contest came back in 1988, when Citrus defeated College of the Desert 34-7. It was the third straight bowl victory for Citrus in that stretch.

The Citrus Record Books
With one final game on the dockets for the Owls, there are a number of program records that could be broken this weekend in the Western State Bowl. Sophomore wide receiver Isaiah Kepley is one touchdown reception away from tying the single season receiving touchdown record and two from breaking it. In addition, Kepley has totaled 108 points on the season and is just six points shy of tying the all-time record of 114 set in 1990 and tied back in 2003. On the career side of things, Kepley needs just four points to tie the career points record set between the 1974-75 seasons. Also in the wide receiving category is Citrus College sophomore Michael Ball. Ball currently sits on 73 career receptions, and is eight catches shy of the career mark.

On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore defensive back Rodney Mathews has lead the assault on the Citrus record books. Already the single season leader for solo tackles, Mathews is just four tackles shy of being third all-time in total tackles in a career. While it would be tough for Mathews to break the career record for pass break-ups, he does have the chance to move into second place all time with two more this weekend, and he is just two interceptions shy of tying the career mark for career picks of 11.

Coach Ponciano Says

How To Follow
There are a number of ways in which you can follow the action on Saturday night. First is by heading over to Fullerton Union High School and their football Stadium for the 6:00 PM kick-off. Tickets will be sold for $10 for those individuals 10 years of age and up, and $8 for those 62 years or older.

If you can't make it out to the Western State Bowl, then please follow our official twitter feed @ccfightingowls where we will be posting live updates throughout the contest. In addition, the scoreboard at the bottom of CitrusOwls.com will be updated with the score throughout the event.

Last, but certainly not least, the game will be broadcast live online through highschoolcube.com. Following the link for the Hornet Football Broadcast Home Page.