AVC'S RUN EMPTY FOR NOW.

Byline: Sean Ceglinsky Staff Writer

Throughout its 56 seasons, it's been well documented that Antelope Valley College likes to run the football. This season, the Marauders have been able to do just about everything else but move the ball on the ground.

One reason AVC is winless this season is because the team's leading rusher is quarterback Jerad Romo, who broke his collarbone in the first half of last week's game.

``The running game is the slowest to come around, especially with the blocking schemes and timing that's involved,'' said coach Brent Carder, whose team opens Foothill Conference play tonight at 7 against visiting Desert.

``I've seen indications in that we're improved and will continue to improve. Our running backs are starting to show that they're able to get things done.''

If that's the case, it sure hasn't shown in the box scores. AVC had minus-23 yards on the ground against Reedley in the season opener and 54 against Santa Barbara last week.

That type of production doesn't bode well considering the Marauders will face a Desert defense ranked No. 2 in the conference against the run.

Still, the Roadrunners enter the game losers of 10 consecutive games, including last week's 47-18 setback to Pierce, snapping the Brahmas' losing streak at 11.

--Last man standing: After nursing a sore ankle and having to play on it against Santa Barbara, Jamar Culver enters today's game as the Marauders' lone reliable quarterback.

``He's 100 percent,'' Carder said of Culver, who's completed more than 59 percent of his passes for 531 yards and four touchdowns.

Culver proved capable of moving the offense against Reedley. The Bethel Christian High graduate set a single-game school record for completions with 28, and now that he's healthy again, he could have another big day against the Roadrunners.

Romo, who visited an orthopedic specialist this week, is expected to be out four to six weeks. In the meantime, Jacob Rivera, the scout-team quarterback, has been getting more snaps with the first-team offense and will be the backup against Desert.

DESERT (0-2) vs. ANTELOPE VALLEY (0-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m., Marauder Stadium

Radio: 610-AM

Series: AVC leads 16-10-1, including last season's 55-22 victory at Desert.

Did you know: AVC wideout Jerome Wright needs four catches to move into first place on the career reception list. Defensive back Jonathon King, a Highland High graduate, has led AVC in tackles in each of the past two games. AVC kicker Carloz Nunez (Antelope Valley) is perfect - 6 for 6 on extra-point attempts - and the freshman made his lone field-goal attempt, from 28 yards out.

- Sean Ceglinsky

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DESERT (0-2) vs. ANTELOPE VALLEY (0-2) (see text)