Running back Tylik Carter ran for four touchdowns, which was more than enough to propel the Cerritos College football team to a 58-17 victory over Riverside on Saturday’s homecoming game.
Carter tallied up 11 carries for 163 yards total in the game.
“(Carter) has been our leader. He’s a vocal leader and we expect that,” Mazzotta said.
The Falcons improved to 7-0 for the season and look to continue their unbeaten streak when they face College of the Desert next Saturday.
Cerritos has yet to face top-seeded teams El Camino and Mt. SAC, but head coach Frank Mazzotta said he will not overlook the game against College of the Desert.
“Traveling is always tough. We still need to play tough against College of the Desert,” Mazzotta said.
Cerritos scored on its first four drives before back up quarterback BJ Denker fumbled. But at that point, it was already 24-7.
“Our big deal is to score in the first possession. When (Morales) makes good decisions, (Cerritos) is good,” Mazzotta said.
The offense, which has been consistently efficient all year, scored in 30 or more points in a game for the sixth time in seven games.
In its first drive, Cerritos came out throwing with three consecutive passing plays. It kept the drive balanced with a few hand-offs to Carter, one for four yards and the other for seven.
Quarterback Chris Morales’ throw to wide receiver Michael Willie was called pass interference setting up a first and goal for the Falcons.
Carter cashed in the first points of the game with a two-yard run in a drive that lasted only 1:42. It capped off a six-play, 70-yard drive.
Cerritos entered halftime leading, 38-10, racking up 425 total yards on offense and three touchdowns for Carter.
Early in the third quarter, already leading, 44-10, Carter ran for his fourth and final touchdown of the night. What seemed to be a short gain for a first down, resulted in a 75-yard touchdown run.
“I was just trying to get the first down and move the chains but I saw the big hole and had to take it all the way,” Carter explained.
While Cerritos kept scoring, Riverside also hurt itself committing 19 penalties for 168 yards in the game.
In addition to the high number of penalties, Riverside’s offense could not get into any offensive rhythm.
Cerritos recorded 10 tackles for loss, including a standout performance by defensive end Darryl Johnson who contributed with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
