Citrus Comes Up Short Against Moorpark on Homecoming, 42–27

GLENDORA, Calif. — No. 17 ranked Citrus College Football came up short on Homecoming night, falling 42–27 to Moorpark College on Saturday, October 25, at Citrus Stadium.

With the loss, the Owls drop to 4–4 overall and 2–3 in conference, while the Raiders improve to 4–4 overall and 3–2 in conference.

Homecoming festivities set a lively backdrop to the game, featuring food, live music from the Citrus College Night Shift Band, interactive games, and booths hosted by campus departments and community partners. Alumni, students, faculty, and fans packed Citrus Stadium to cheer on the Owls.

Moorpark struck first, intercepting Brian Salazar Jr. on the opening play and converting the turnover into a quick touchdown from the Citrus 15-yard line. The Owls answered on their third drive when Salazar connected with Lorenza Simmons for a 48-yard touchdown, evening the score at 7–7.

After a blocked field goal by Tyson Toscano halted a Moorpark drive, the Owls capitalized with a six-play, 75-yard scoring march capped by a 19-yard touchdown pass from Salazar to Drew Tapley — the first of the season for Tapley — putting Citrus ahead 14–7. A red-zone interception by Maddox Barrios stopped another Raider threat late in the quarter, but the Owls couldn't add to their lead.

Moorpark found momentum in the second quarter, scoring twice to regain the lead at 21–14. Citrus answered with a quick five-play, 64-yard drive, as Salazar found Cameron Bateman for a 46-yard touchdown — Bateman's team-leading eighth of the season — tying the game again at 21–21. The Raiders struck once more before halftime, taking a 28–21 advantage into the break.

After a halftime performance by the Glendora High School Tartan Band and Pageantry, Moorpark opened the third quarter with a clock-eating 66-yard drive to extend their lead to 35–21. The Raiders added another rushing score later in the period following an interception, pushing the margin to 42–21.

The Owls fought to rally in the fourth, with Isaiah McKee powering in a 9-yard touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining, but the comeback fell short as the final score stood 42–27.

Salazar Jr. finished 18-of-29 passing for 222 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 48 rushing yards on 10 carries. McKee ran for 70 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, and Keyonn Chatmann added 32 yards on 12 rushes.

Bateman led the Owls' receivers with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Simmons hauled in three for 61 yards and a score, Jojo Enriquez added three for 28 yards — including a highlight one-handed grab — and Tapley's lone catch went for a 19-yard touchdown.

Defensively, Bear Baker paced the Owls with 11 tackles and a pass breakup. Barrios tallied eight tackles, a tackle for loss, and an interception, while Elijah Ybanez, Jarrel Comer (one sack, one TFL), and Jacob Cox each posted six stops. Raymond Esparza added five tackles.

Citrus will close out its home schedule next Saturday, November 1, celebrating Sophomore Day when they host Santa Barbara City College at 6 p.m.