Football: Vikings pull out thrilling 20-14 overtime win over Golden West to open 2010 season

The 2010 Long Beach City College football season began on a high note as the Vikings escaped LeBard Stadium with a 20-14 overtime win over Golden West College on Friday night in the state's community college season opener.

Freshman running back Jared Ginter was impressive in his LBCC debut, as he found the end zone for two touchdowns, including the one-yard, game-winning run in overtime.

Ginter closed the night rushing for 85 yards on 16 carries and also caught three passes for 29 yards. His 13-yard touchdown run at the 5:29 mark in the first quarter gave the Vikings an early 7-0 lead.

The Long Beach defense kept Golden West off the scoreboard in the first half. Sophomore defensive back D'Andre Lewis halted a Golden West drive and added to LBCC's lead with his 86-yard interception return for a touchdown with just 15 seconds left in the second.

But momentum shifted after halftime. The Rustlers finally got on the board with 6:05 left in the third after quarterback Vince Pereza connected with wide receiver Peter Adams for a 29-yard TD reception. The extra point kick was missed, and LBCC was up 14-6.

Golden West would eventually tie it up in the fourth. A five-yard touchdown run by Harold Williams capped a nine-play Rustler scoring drive with 10:56 left in regulation. GWC converted the two point attempt to even the score at 14.

But in overtime, the LBCC defense held its ground. Golden West appeared to be on its way to putting up a field goal on its overtime possession, but Jesus Orosco's 26-yard attempt bounced off the left upright and Long Beach took over needing just a field goal to win.

Sophomore linebacker Branden Alonzo led the Vikings defense with 11.5 tackles (six solo). As a group, LBCC totaled five sacks, broke up five passes, forced two fumbles, and intercepted a pair of passes.

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Tuiasosopo threw for 200 yards on 20 of 38 passing with one interception.

Adams had a good game for Golden West (0-1), hauling in seven receptions for 126 yards.

Long Beach (1-0) returns to action next Saturday (Sept. 11) at 1 p.m. when it hosts Orange Coast College in a non-conference game at Veterans Memorial Stadium.