Football: Strong Second Half Propels Rustlers to Victory

Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Golden West defense was up to the challenge after a tough first half, they shut out the Wolverines in the second half to earn the 45-21 win. 

Football: Strong Second Half Propels Rustlers to Victory
October 30, 2021
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Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Golden West defense was up to the challenge after a tough first half, they shut out the Wolverines in the second half to earn the 45-21 win. 

San Bernardino Valley jumped out to an early 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter but the Rustlers never panicked and stuck to the game plan. The defense got to the Wolverines quarterback often and recorded six sacks on the day to add to their state leading 34 sacks on the season. They also added three takeaways with two interceptions one by Codie Sauvao, the other by Prince Ford, and a fumble recovery. 

After the intial punch from the Wolverine's offense, the Ruslters' defense settled down. And the offense took advantage of good field position to cut into the SBVC lead. Jake Cipres kicked a 32-yard field goal, and that was followed by a 16-yard Mike Carrilo touchdown run early in the second quarter to make it 14-10. SBVC would score once more in the second quarter to extend their lead 21-10, but that would be all the scoring they would do the rest of the game. The Rustlers would make it a four point game at half when quarterback Jake Retzlaff hit John Ojelabi for a 40 yard touchdown to make it 21-17 at halftime. 

Golden West would score 35 unanswered points en route to a 45-21 victory. Retzlaff recorded his first back to back 300 yard passing game going 19-37 with 313 yards and four passing touchdowns. Running back Jared Johnson scored twice in the second half and led the Rustlers in recieving with four catches for 119 yards. 

Ismail Souza had a career day on the defensive side with three sacks and six total tackles, Pablo Araya led the defense with eight total tackle with one sack as well. 

Golden West is on the road in week nine at San Diego Mesa with a 6pm kickoff.