Football: Owls Win Streak Marches On In Conference Opener

Fighting Owls Football opened up American Mountain Division conference play on Saturday in a road game at College of the Desert. The Owls beat the Roadrunners in a closely contested game, 35-31. Citrus extended their win streak to 6 games, maintaining their undefeated record in 2019, and starting out conference play 1-0.  

The Owls, who typically lean more on their run game than their air game, took a different approach Saturday, as they ran almost 2/3 of their offense through quarterback Austin Zavala. Zavala would come through, as the Sophomore completed 24 passes for a total of 338 passing yards, 2 passing TD's and 3 rushing TD's. On the receiving end of this passing yards were 7 different Owls with at least 2 receptions. Jeremiah Lineberger led the way for receivers, pulling in 5 catches for a total of 83 yards and a long of 61. Jeremiah Flores caught 2 receptions for 65 yards, a long of 53 and a touchdown. Christopher Rodriguez claimed the other Owl passing TD with a score in the 2nd quarter. Rodriguez ended with 38 yards receiving. 

Kickoff Returner Kasmir Dina had a stellar day on special teams, carrying 4 returns for a total of 125 yards and a long of 50 yards. Defensively, the Owls once again excelled at stopping the run game, allowing just 68 cumulative rushing yards for the Roadrunners. Jason Villa and Kalen Muhammed led the Owls in tackles, posting 8 apiece, and both recorded a sack assist. Defensive back Derrion Warner picked off a Desert pass and returned it for 20 yards. Warner also recorded 4 tackles in the win. 

The Owls have been ranked in the top 20 most of the 2019 season, with their highest mark being the 16th spot last week. The squad continues conference play this Saturday in a home game against Victor Valley. Kickoff is at 1:00 PM in the stadium.

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