Orange Coast’s Late Rally Falls Short of Fullerton

COSTA MESA —  David Pierson’s two-yard pass to Greggory Campbell with 5:29 remaining in the fourth quarter helped Fullerton College defeat Orange Coast, 38-30, in a Mission Conference football game Saturday at Orange Coast College.

Derek Reaves intercepted Orange Coast quarterback Donnie Smith at the 50 with 8:06 left in the fourth quarter. Five plays later, Campbell’s touchdown put Fullerton ahead, 38-24.

The victory keeps Fullerton (6-2, 2-1 in conference) in contention for a playoff berth. The loss eliminates Orange Coast (5-3, 0-3) from consideration.

Orange Coast cut the lead to eight points with 2:15 left on Scott Hamilton’s 22-yard pass from Smith. The two-point conversion attempt failed.

In the final minute, Orange Coast recovered a Fullerton fumble at the Pirates’ 25. Smith, however, threw short of his receivers on four consecutive desperation passes.

Fullerton’s defense intercepted Smith four times. Reaves had two, both of which led to scores, and Randy Roskelly had two.

For Fullerton, Pierson completed 15 of 28 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Demondre White carried 22 times for 161 of the Hornets’ 166 rushing yards. He also scored on a five-yard run with 11:32 left in the third quarter. Jarrod Smith scored his second touchdown of the year on a kick return, this one for 87 yards.

For Orange Coast, Smith completed 12 of 27 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns.