Controversial Call Late in 4th Quarter Ends Comeback

Riverside, Calif. - It was a grind from the opening kickoff in a non-conference matchup between the Riverside City College (2-0) football team and the visiting Golden West College (1-1) Rustlers on Saturday night under the lights at Wheelock Stadium. In a game that saw a combined 297 penalty yards and a defensive battle in the first half, both teams tossed all of their points on the scoreboard in the third quarter en route to a 20-14 loss to Riverside City College.

Riverside and Golden West traded unsuccessful blows throughout the entire first half as both squads failed to pound the pigskin through the pylons in the opening 30 minutes of action, thus leading to a scoreless tie entering into the halftime.

The third quarter brought all of the action as the Rustlers struck first on the opening drive of the stanza with Joe Pyle running 65 yards to the house leading to a 7-0 advantage.

However, Riverside responded on the following drive by charging down the field on seven plays for 56 yards. The drive was capped off by a rushing touchdown from Clifford Simms. After a failed point after attempt the Rustlers still led 7-6.

The Tiger would then force a three and out for Golden West's offense and score again on a 38 yard touchdown pass to take the lead 13-7. This time with the Rustlers next possession they would only need four plays and a 1:19 for Pyle to score his second rushing touchdown of the night to take the lead back at 14-13. 

Unfortunatley, Riverside's ensuing drive ended with a 55-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 20-14 advantage.

The Rustlers were not finished, however, as they strung together an impressive drive in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. While facing a third and goal at the 23-yard line, the Rustlers quarterback lofted up a 50-50 ball that was thought to be hauled in by a Golden West receiver. However, after further discussion, the referees reversed the call to an interception in the end zone leading to a 20-14 victory.

The defense played tough all night and was led by Rudy San Jose with six solo tackles. Sophomore line backer Avery Jones also recorded two tackles for a loss and Jason Thomas had the teams only takeaway with an interception returned 14 yards.

Pyle paced the ground game and broke the century mark as he earned 127 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns. Ben Ratzlaff led the recievers with two catches for 43 yards. 

Next: The Rustlers will host Chaffey College Saturday September 16th with a 1pm kickoff.