Record setting performance by SMC’s Medina leads to drubbing of L.A. Southwest
It was only the second drive of the game when Santa Monica College quarterback Alfonso Medina threw a 10-yard touchdown to wide receiver Ralph Gordon II, setting the score at 7-0. The Corsairs never looked back.
That play gave Medina the SMC all time career touchdown record, and would power the Corsairs through, as they demolished LA Southwest College 68-0.
Medina came into the game tied with former SMC Quarterback Dylan Smith at 42 touchdowns over the course of two years.
Medina completed 17 of 31 for 274 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions, bringing the current touchdown record count to 45.
“It means a big deal to come to a school and set a record, and have my name up there with some of the best that have been here. It really feels great,” said Medina.
“Alfonso is such a surgeon with the football,” said head coach Gifford Lindheim. “He’s not the biggest guy in the world; he doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he’s meticulous with the way he operates and moves the football. He’s cool as a cucumber.”
Lindheim also added what the record means for the team. “His touchdown record is a group record, not just an Alfonso Medina record, although he has done an unbelievable job with everything we asked him to do.”
Santa Monica College played an outstanding overall game by shutting out LA Southwest, scoring 47 points in the first half. Running back Myles Johnson rushed for 77 yards, and scored the touchdowns himself. The defense was all over the field, causing chaos with four turnovers, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
“We’ve got a lot to still improve on,” said Lindheim. “Every week we have to improve to reach our goal of winning a conference championship.”
Currently at 5-1, the road only gets tougher from this point forward. “It’s a journey. We have some very tough opponents ahead of us,” said Lindheim.
Despite the overwhelming victory, Lindheim believes the team can take it to another level. “We have to continue to get better in all aspects of the game. I feel like we reached our potential today, but that doesn’t mean we filled our potential as a team. I think this team can continue to play better, and I think we need to get better.”
The Corsairs are in a three way tie for first place in the Pacific Division, along with L.A. Pierce College and Antelope Valley. They will play their next game on the road against L.A. Valley on Saturday at 6 p.m.