Penalties and Turnovers Doom Rustlers

A safety early in the first quarter proved to be the difference maker in Golden West's heart-breaking 29-27 loss to Mt. San Antonio in the Patriotic Bowl Saturday night.

Penalties and Turnovers Doom Rustlers
November 21, 2015
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A safety early in the first quarter proved to be the difference maker in Golden West's heart-breaking 29-27 loss to Mt. San Antonio in the Patriotic Bowl Saturday night.

On the second play of Golden West's first drive, quarterback Nick Sternard was being tackled in the end zone and threw the ball away. Since there were not any receivers close by, this resulted in two points for Mt. SAC. 

Sternard continued to struggle, so head coach Nick Mitchell summoned Adam Vance in the second quarter. Vance started the second quarter off right tossing a 10-yard touchdown to Jordan Veasy. Vance finished with some eye-popping numbers; 34 completions for 368 yards and 4 touchdowns. Despite his high's, Vance did have his lows including two interceptions, one returned for a 58-yard score. Veasy also played a vital role in the offense with 11 receptions for 117 yards.

From late in the second quarter until the game ended, both teams traded scoring drives. What proved costly on each of those drives were the copious amount of penalties. Neither team could catch a break from the officiating crew as the Rustlers committed 17 penalties for 111 yards. The Mounties did not fare much better committing 21 penalties for 191 yards. Even though the Rustlers mounted a fourth quarter comeback, there just was not enough time to overcome the early safety.

After the final whistle, Golden West Athletic Director Albert Gasparian awarded three players for their superior performances. One player from each team earned a Player of the Game award. Sophomore wide receiver and Orange County product Quest Truxton was the rightful recipient for Golden West. He led all receivers with 14 receptions and 158 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Receiving the MVP was Mt. SAC quarterback Anfernee Bruton. Bruton was an effective passer going 17-25 with 189 yards and 2 touchdowns.