It had been almost two full years since Drake Peabody had started a football game, since his senior year of high school ended in November of 2016. The LBCC freshman could have been forgiven some rust, but there wasn’t much to be found as he burst onto the JC scene with five touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 38-21 victory over Grossmont.
Peabody’s father, Brett, is the Vikings’ head coach.
“Before the game at the house he said he didn’t have any jitters about playing his first game in two years, but I think there were some jitters in the beginning,” said Brett. “He played quite well overall, though.”
Peabody was 22-34 for 285 yards and four touchdowns through the air, and ran for another touchdown as well. The LBCC offense was too much for Grossmont, piling up 419 total yards, including 134 yards rushing. Patrick Lee snagged five catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns, backed up by Victor Bates, who had four catches for 109 yards.
“It felt good to be back out there,” said Drake Peabody. “I was excited–I think we can get a lot better, too, we left a lot of plays on the field.”
LBCC took a 38-7 lead early in the fourth quarter and went into the bench, as Grossmont was able to put up a pair of touchdowns late to bring the score closer.
“I think we need to work on finishing games,” said Brett Peabody. “We don’t want to give up those late scores.”
The Vikings defense allowed less than 200 yards, with interceptions by Jeremiah Houston and Bates, and a fumble takeaway as well. King Joseph Maaele had a pair of sacks as well.
The road gets tougher for the Vikings immediately, as they visit Mt. SAC next Saturday at 1 p.m.
“Mt. SAC and Long Beach is a big game no matter when it’s played, we’ve got to be ready to go,” said Peabody.
