Rams tackle Vikings for 49-7 win

By Kyle Honea

Powered by strong offensive drives led by quarterback Lavell McCullers, the Rams pulverized the Diablo Valley Vikings 49-7 on Friday, Oct. 14.

The win improved the Rams’ record to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

After a tough loss against Butte College two weeks ago, City College came back feeling strong and ready to play.

“We had a ‘bi-week’ so we had two weeks to get ready for this. We’re confident,” Rams wide receiver Chikwado Nzerem said before the game.

The Rams came out strong on defense, stopping the Vikings on their first drive. But the Rams also struggled to gain any yardage on their own first drive and were forced to punt. Then their defense stiffened again, forcing another Viking punt.

On the second play of the ensuing Rams drive, McCullers scampered for a 77-yard touchdown to put the first points on the board.

The Rams continued to put up more points in the first half with a 21-yard touchdown pass from McCullers to wide receiver Kevin Shaa. Shortly after a Rams fumble recovery, McCullers struck gold with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Easop Winston, giving the Rams a 21-0 lead.

City College’s defense dominated the first half, stopping the Vikings’ running game almost completely and allowing little yardage in the air.

The Rams continued to control the game in the second half. On their first drive, running back Lorenzo Logwood bolted down the field for 41-yard touchdown.

The Rams inevitably found their way back to the end zone a few drives later on a  McCullers 6-yard run, putting the Rams up 35-0.

The Vikings eventually found their way into the red zone, but a pass was picked off in the end zone, resulting in the Rams’ second forced game turnover. The Rams capitalized on the turnover, turning it into another 7 points on an 11-yard pass from McCullers to Erik Phillip. Tanner Piccolotti put up another 7 points two drives later with a 58-yard touchdown run.

In the last minute of the game, the Vikings finally mustered some offense as they found the end zone, ending the game with a Rams 49-7 win.

“It was a very important game. All we have to do is win conference and the whole season is in front of us. It was important for us to get off to a 1-0 start,” head coach Jimmy Collins said.

The Rams are looking to win their second conference game against Santa Rosa College at home on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Offensive guard Daniel Sulunga-Kahaialii summed up the day’s win: “City College is rolling. All gas. No brakes.”