BULLDOG GRIDDERS DROP OPENER TO EAST L.A. IN FINAL SECONDS, 10-7

MONTEREY PARK-- It may have been the uglyest field goal in the history of the game, but Manuel Torres' 42-yard line drive with seven seconds remaining was enough to give East Los Angeles College a 10-7 win over Allan Hancock College in the season-opening game for both teams.
The Bulldogs and Huskies staged an epoc defensive battle, which was tied 7-7 at the half and remained the same until Torres' game-winning kick. Hancock managed just 162 yards in total offense, while East L.A. generated 244.
ELAC quarterback Ronie Simpson opened the scoring at the 13:12 mark of the second period with a one-yard sneak. The Bulldogs answered just before the end of half, on a five yard run by reserve tailback Michael Santos (Fr., Richmond, VA) with 1:44 remaining.
AHC sophomore quarterback Chad Nicholson (Morro Bay) completed just 9-of-23 passes for 82 yards and had two passes intercepted. His day was crossed by hard luck, as Bulldog receivers dropped some catchable passes, including two deep throws in the second half that could have been converted into scores. Sophomore Brad Sorenson (Chico, CA) led Bulldog receivers with three catches for 41 yards.
On the ground, freshman tailback Paul Jordan (San Luis Obispo) led AHC with 42 yards on 11 carries. Santos finished with 20 yards on four carries, while starter Casey Langley (So., Arroyo Grande) carried a team-high 18 times for 18 yards, but saw his best effort, a slashing 34-yard tackle-breaker to the East L.A. 10, called back on a holding penalty.
The Bulldogs will play their 2003 home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13 against West Valley College of Coalinga at Righetti High School, beginning at 7:00 p.m.