SCIPIO, MURCHISON EARN ALL-STATE HONORS

SANTA MARIA-- Sophomore cornerback and freshman offensive tackle Eric Murchison were named to the 2003 All-California Region III team by the JC Athletic Bureau - California Community College Football Coaches Association.

Scipio, a second-year player out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Catholic High School, led the Bulldogs in kick-off returns and punt returns in addition to holding down a starting spot at cornerback throughout the 2003 season. The 5-10, 175-pound speedster averaged 11.3 yards per punt return including one for a touchdown and 45.5 per kickoff return including two touchdowns. He also ranked eighth among AHC tacklers with 39 for the season, including 25 unassisted stops.

Murchison, a freshman from Santa Maria's Righetti High School, became the physical leader of one of the state's most proficient offensive lines in the 2003 season. Behind Murchinson and his teammates, the Hancock rushing attack averaged over 238 yards and 22 first downs per game.

Under third-year Head Coach Kris Dutra, the Bulldogs won their final six games of the regular season to finish second in the Western State Conference Northern Division with an 8-2 record. That earned Hancock an invitation to the Producers Dairy Bowl in Fresno, its' 11th post-season game in 11 years.