AVC BEAT: DEFENSE ALMOST RESCUES AVC : NINE FUMBLES IN OT LOSS.

Byline: Art Avila Staff Writer

The Antelope Valley College football team needed to have offense to beat conference leader Mt. San Jacinto last week. Instead, the Marauders got a big defensive effort, helping to force a tie in regulation before they lost in overtime 49-42.

The key stat of the game was the combined 17 fumbles for both teams. The two AVC recovered in the fourth quarter made the comeback possible.

``Our defense gave us the opportunity to come back,'' coach Brent Carder said. ``Twice we recovered fumbles in their territory. It primarily was a defensive battle.''

The fumbles early in the game also put the Marauders in the hole. AVC lost five of its nine fumbles. ``That was the most-significant factor,'' Carder said. ``We played hard enough to win the game but didn't execute enough.''

In overtime, the Marauders drove down the field before Mt. San Jacinto forced a fumble at its 12-yard line to end the game.

AVC went into the final quarter down 42-14. But as they have all year, the Marauders were able to make a comeback late in the game. ``We have been making things happen in the fourth quarter,'' Carder said. ``Our team realizes that was a significant comeback. We put a lot of effort into the game.''

In the fourth quarter, Andre Velazquez's 100-yard kickoff return and Bobby Antee's 50-yard fumble return for touchdowns were both AVC records. They helped an offense that produced only 195 yards.

``Bobby has been solid for us all year, he had a very good game,'' Carder said.

Sophomore Chad York again played a significant role in the team's offense with rushing and receiving touchdowns. His 42 yards rushing on 15 carries matched the total achieved by season rushing leader Jason Anderson.

``In a game like that you make a lot of mistakes and you make good plays,'' Carder said. ``The team feels good because we were able to come back. But anytime you lose a ball game there is disappointment.''

Mt. San Jacinto remains undefeated in the Foothill Conference with two games remaining. The Eagles are expected to finish in first place and host the Southern California Bowl.

The Marauders face winless Victor Valley College in AVC's final road game of the year at Apple Valley on Saturday. AVC has not lost in this 13-game rivalry, which dates back to 1968.

Final tests: The AVC women's volleyball team faced its toughest tests of the year last week and lost in matches against Victor Valley and San Bernardino.

But coach Jane Cwayna said the team played well against the two top teams in the Foothill Conference.

``The kids played hard,'' Cwayna said. ``They felt they played well. They had fun. They played the best teams in the conference.''

Victor Valley remains undefeated in the conference, having defeated second-place San Bernardino. ``Victor Valley has some big hitters and setters,'' Cwayna said. She said the team also played well against San Bernardino losing in four games.

The Marauders will likely finish third in the Foothill Conference with their four losses coming against these two teams. Cwayna said she was satisfied with this year's team. ``It was better than the last couple of years. We were hoping to come in first. The girls did a nice job all week,'' she said.

Next year, Cwayna will have a young group of new players. The Marauders lose five sophomores from this year's team.

Among those departing is Jennifer Keating, who leads the conference in kills average with 3.81 a game. She also ranks second in the conference in digs average behind teammate Cheaza Nevarez, who averages 3.47 a game.

Ready and waiting:The men's basketball team has been waiting three months to play in something other than intrasquad scrimmages. Though the Marauders' first game at the Victor Valley tournament is still a week away, AVC is ready to go.

``Everybody's anxious,'' coach Newton Chelette said. ``I think we are as ready as we are going to be with as many new faces as we have.''

The Marauders have one starter back from last year's team.

Chelette said he is happy about the work ethic and said things have been going well early. ``You never know until you get into an actual game,'' he said.

The Marauders play another intrasquad game tonight at 7 at the Marauder gym. AVC opens the season at home Nov. 17 against College of the Sequoias.