After a heartbreaking 10-8 loss to Citrus College on Oct. 21, the Vaqueros re-grouped for a stunning 45-21 victory against the West L.A. Oilers Saturday night at Sartoris Field.

The Vaquero offense scored six touchdowns and a field goal for their best offensive performance of the season. Leading the offense in yards and scoring were quarterback Brendon Doyle and tailback Anthony Cullors. Doyle completed 18 of 22 passes for 187 yards, and two touchdowns. Cullors rushed for 125 yards in 21 carries and scored two touchdowns, for only the second 100-yard plus rushing performance of the season.

“First of all I’d like to thank God for this opportunity,” said Cullors, who led the team in rushing.

“I tried to stay focused and calm and just do my best. I followed my blocks and the [offensive] line worked hard. Our whole offensive unit worked hard.”

The defense also made big plays. On the first offensive drive for West L.A., the defense forced a fumble near the Vaqueros’ red zone, which was recovered by Matt Patterson. The offense capitalized on the ensuing drive with a touchdown. Patterson made another big play when the Oilers’ offense entered deep in to Vaquero territory. On the goal line, Patterson intercepted the ball and ran it back 51 yards to set up another Vaquero touchdown.
The Vaquero run defense also proved successful, allowing only 22 yards rushing.

In the third quarter, the defense again came up with a big play when the Oilers encroached on the Vaquero red zone. Josh Nesbitt hit the Oilers’ quarterback to force a fumble which was recovered by defensive tackle Brian Lynch.

The first touchdown of the game was a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Cullors. Then Doyle hooked up with wide receiver Abraham Venegas for a 6-yard touchdown.

After an Oiler turnover, Cullors ran 39 yards for a touchdown. The half was capped off by a Esteban Moreno field goal to give the Vaqueros a 24-7 lead going into the half.

In the second half , the offense got back to work with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Doyle to Juan Magallon to raise the score 31-7.

A 1-yard Jason McNeil touchdown run at the beginning of the fourth quarter gave the Vaqueros a 38-13 lead. Then the starters came off the field.

Shaun Kermah scored the final touchdown from the 2 yard line, thanks to a key block by second team O-lineman Eric Aquino, to put the game out of reach for West L.A. Kermah finished the night with 70 yards rushing on 14 carries and a touchdown.

The offense totaled 423 yards of offense, including 236 yards on the ground.

“The keys were that our defense played well,” said Coach Cicuto.
“Offense controlled the ball. We had three turnovers on defense, and we did a great job against the pass.”

The Vaqueros, who are 3-1 on the road, will travel to Santa Monica Saturday, where they hope to continue their success.