The best player on the field was wearing Cerritos’ red, white, and blue Falcons helmet, but the best team on the field was LBCC. The VIkings were able to overcome an unbelievable day by Cerritos running back Rhamondre Stevenson to prevail and retain possession of the Crosstown Cup with a 46-32 win.
“(Stevenson) is as good a running back as I’ve ever coached, he’s an animal,” said LBCC coach Brett Peabody. “As a fan of the game you’re amazed but as a coach you can’t wait until you don’t have to face him anymore.”
Stevenson finished with 18 carries for 339 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Falcons.
Aside from his outstanding output, the Vikings controlled the game from start to finish. They led 17-13 at halftime and opened up a 31-13 lead behind strong running performances by Pierre Robinson (9 carries for 90 yards and two scores) and Raphael Jones (two touchdowns), whose touchdowns gave them the three-score lead.
LBCC ran it 47 times for 210 yards and four scores.
Back-to-back long touchdowns by Stevenson, including a 90-yarder, brought Cerritos back within one score at 39-25, but the Vikings defense dialined in after that. Drake Peabody hit Cedric Hood to put the Vikings up 39-25, and then a Robinson touchdown of 47 yards sealed the game.
LBCC’s defense stacked the box and forced the Falcons to pass the ball, something they weren’t able to do well enough to get back into the game.
It’s been an emotional week for the Vikings with the loss of former safety Guy Alford. The team raised the Crosstown Cup in his memory after the game.
“It’s been a difficult week, we miss him and we love him and his family,” said Peabody.
LBCC will have a week off before opening up conference play at ELAC on Oct. 13.
