By John M. Sherrard
(Long Beach, CA) Mt. San Antonio College opened National Division Central Conference action with a 27-20 loss to host Long Beach City College at Veterans Stadium on Saturday.
With the Mounties (4-2, 0-1) leading 20-14 late in the first half, Long Beach connected for two field goals in the third and fourth quarters and a late touchdown with 4:59 left in the game for the win.
Mt. SAC was led by freshman quarterback Jaiave Magalei who was 26 of 47 for 198 yards and a touchdown.
Freshman running back Jamario (Tre) Elliot ran for a game-high 81 yards on 13 carries for the Mounties, while sophomore receiver Emetrious Scott and sophomore Cameron Coleman caught five passes for 54 yards.
The Mounties opened the scoring with a 38-yard field goal by Andrew Rodriguez early in the opening quarter for the 3-0 lead.
After the Vikings took a 7-3 lead midway through the quarter, the Mounties' Chris Jackson caught an 18-yard TD pass from Magalei with 5:43 left in the quarter left for the 10-7 lead.
Rodriguez kicked a 37-yard field goal to add to the lead, 13-7, but the Vikings took their second lead of the half midway through the second quarter, 14-13.
Late in the first half Long Beach was deep in its own territory and after a short punt by the Vikings, freshman Gaven Hughes returned the punt for a Mt. SAC touchdown for a 20-14 lead.
That was the last time the Mounties would led in the game.
The Mounties will host El Camino (4-2, 1-0) in a National Division Central Conference game this Saturday October 21 at Covina District Field at 6:00 pm game.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.