FOOTBALL FALLS IN 2005 AMERICAN BOWL

LONG BEACH-- In a game that statistically showed they probably could have won, the Allan Hancock College football team fell to Long Beach CC, 49-37, in the 2005 American Bowl.

Hancock (7-4) dominated the game with perfect offensive and defensive game plans, however Long Beach scored three touchdowns on special teams plays that made the difference. The Bulldogs had the ball for 42:28 compared to the Vikings with 17:32. AHC had total offense of 562 yards, while the vaunted LBCC offense could only muster 273. Special teams would be the downfall for Hancock, as they allowed two punt returns by game MVP Ryan Howard of 80 yards and 78 yards for touchdowns and a fumble recovery runback that covered 72 yards for another TD on a botched snap during a field goal attempt.

The Hancock defense held the state's leading passer, Alex Aispuro to 172 yards passing and also intercepted two passes that would lead to two scores. The Vikings ran the ball for 101 yards on the night. Long Beach, however, had a great night on special teams, returning three punts for 166 yards and two touchdowns, and four kick-offs for 143.

AHC QB Jonathon Dally (Fr., Righetti HS) had an outstanding night, completing 20 of 32 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 77 yards and scored the first Bulldog TD on a 14 yard scamper. Shain Stewart led all rushers with 80 yards on 17 carries. Corey Stollmeyer scored two touchdowns in the second half while gaining 69 yards on 14 carries. Wide receiver Derek Sedin (So., Righetti) ended his Bulldog career in a big way, catching nine passes for 101 yards and one touchdown.