FULLERTON, CA - The Santa Barbara City College Football team fell 27-14 at #4 Fullerton to open their 2023 season on Friday night. Despite the result, the Vaqueros' physicality and intensity was a positive sign to start the season, particularly against a tough opponent.
After two SBCC three-and-outs and two Fullerton drives ending in touchdowns, the Vaqueros found themselves down 13-0 early in the game. A fumble recovered by Fullerton deep in SBCC territory made the situation even more unfavorable.
"Tough introduction to college football," head coach Craig Moropoulos said.
However, the Vaqueros defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs, and turning the momentum in their favor. After the next SBCC drive ended on Fullerton's 5-yard-line, a Fullerton punt gave the Vaqueros good field position. They took advantage this time, and a Prince Borten 2-yard rush capped off the first touchdown drive of the season.
Matt Croteau intercepted a Fullerton pass three plays later, and suddenly the Vaqueros were in business. The sophomore linebacker also led the team in total tackles with 9, with Moropoulos proud of his performance and leadership.
"He's somebody who leads our defense. He played outstanding Saturday, and I want our defense feed off his intensity."
After another Borten rushing touchdown, the Vaqueros found themselves up 14-13 with less than 5 minutes left in the first half.
Fullerton gifted the Vaqueros another interception just two plays later, but this time, SBCC could not capitalize. Fullerton scored on their ensuing possession, going into halftime leading 20-14.
The second half was less polarizing, as both defenses locked in for a scoreless third quarter for both teams. After Fullerton scored to make it 27-14 early in the fourth quarter, the Vaqueros found themselves down 13 once again. Two SBCC drives ended in turnovers on downs on the Fullerton 13 and 14-yard-lines, and that was all the scoring for the game.
SBCC won the turnover battle, 4-1, but chances missed off those turnovers ultimately came back to bite them.
"We had even more turnover opportunities that we missed," Moropoulos said, "and we needed to capitalize more off them. When you're playing against the #4 team in the state, you need to take advantage of every opportunity. But I liked the physicality and intensity we played with—our guys played really hard. I'm really proud of our defense."
Quarterback Will Doherty, starting his first collegiate game, threw for 174 yards. He completed 10 of 31 passes on a night when he was sacked 3 times and hurried for at least 3 times, as well.
"Give a lot of credit to Fullerton, that's as good of a defensive front as we'll see all season," Moropoulos said. "We're already figuring out how to get better."
Starting 0-1 is nothing to panic about for SBCC. Last year, after losing their opening game, the Vaqueros rattled off 10 in a row to finish the year 10-1. In 2021, after starting 0-1, they then won 4 in a row, and 7 of their next 9.
"There are no letdown games in our schedule. Saddleback is going to be a great challenge for us," Moropoulos concluded. "We're excited about getting back in the thick of things Monday."
The Vaqueros will play Saddleback in their home opener this Saturday, the 9th at 6:00 PM at La Playa Stadium.
