Lorenzen, Comets enjoy easy victory in opener

By: MARWAN RAZOUK - Staff Writer | Saturday, September 2, 2006 11:34 PM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- The much anticipated debut of Palomar College starting quarterback Tyler Lorenzen went better than expected.

The Iowa State transfer completed 13-of-17 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown in the Comets' 59-0 shutout of the visiting West Los Angeles College Hustling Oilers on Saturday night at Escondido High's Wilson Stadium. Lorenzen also rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown on five carries.

"It was a positive performance," said Lorenzen, a 6-foot-5 southpaw. "We came out firing, receivers made plays, running backs ran hard, and the offensive line gave us a push."

The Comets (1-0) led 45-0 at the half and scored on their first eight possessions, outgaining the Oilers (0-1) by a whopping 567-159 margin in total yards. Billy Hibdon (Ramona High) rushed for three touchdowns and Donnell Fulford had two rushing touchdowns and one receiving. Wide receivers Tobias Shanks, a San Diego State transfer, and freshman Marques Parker (four receptions for 98 yards) each made spectacular catches to give Palomar its second straight opening-day victory over West Los Angeles.

It's a good one to start with," said fifth-year head coach Joe Early. "West L.A. was a little undermanned, but we did what we had to do as a team ---- hey, it's a win."

Palomar's first team was pulled midway through the third quarter up 52-0 and Early said that all 98 players on the roster saw action.

Defensively, the Comets had seven sacks and allowed the Oilers to cross midfield once in the first 3 1/2 quarters.

Early said he was happy with the team's performance, except when a myriad of personal fouls were called against both sides early in the third quarter.

"I'm a little disappointed with the discipline in the third quarter," he said. "It's an issue we'll address."

Nonetheless, a shutout victory will be celebrated by the Comets. But not for too long. The Comets know there is a long way to go this season.

"You go through highs and lows in a season," Early said. "Guys will have to lean on each other when we start going through adversity."

Palomar will travel to Los Angeles Harbor College on Saturday for another nonconference battle against an L.A. school.

"We'll watch the films, establish a game plan and, by Wednesday, we'll know our approach," Lorenzen said.

Contact staff writer Marwan Razouk at mrazouk@nctimes.com.

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