Football: Dominates Pirates to Keep the Bell at Home in 54th Battle of the Bell

Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Rustlers used a suffocating defense and an explosive offense to dominate the visiting Pirates in the 54th Battle of the Bell meeting, 41-7. 

Football: Dominates Pirates to Keep the Bell at Home in 54th Battle of the Bell
September 3, 2022
Tickets Photos Video Box Score Preview

Huntington Beach, Calif. - The Rustlers used a suffocating defense and an explosive offense to dominate the visiting Pirates in the 54th Battle of the Bell meeting, 41-7. 

The Golden West defense had one hiccup on the afternoon and that was the opening possession where Orange Coast used a four play 36 yard drive to take an early 7-0 lead. From that point on, the Rustlers clamped down and shut down the Pirates hope of ever running the ball as they managed 11 rushing yards in the game. The secondary picked off OCC's quarterback three times on the afternoon as the surrendered a total of 194 yards of offense.

The Golden West offense stayed balanced as freshman quarterback Malakai Martinez had a great debut under center throwing for 307 yards and four touchdowns on 17 of 26 pass attempts. Robert Sarmiento led the Rustler receiving core hauling in four catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Sarmiento had his big touchdown in fourth quarter as he went 87 yards to the house. Sophomore Nick Kennewell had a team high six catches that went for 80 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown catch was a spectacular toe touching grab in the back of the endzone to give the Rustlers a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.  

Next: Golden West hosts Palomar College in week two with a 12pm kickoff.