Golden West a Win From History, Hosts San Mateo in 2025 3C2A State Championship

It's been a phenomenal season for the Golden West College Rustlers.

Golden West is just a win away from making history and will get the chance to achieve a list of feats as the Rustlers host defending state champion College of San Mateo in the 2025 3C2A State Championship on Saturday (Dec. 13). Kickoff is scheduled once again for noon, this time at Orange Coast College's LeBard Stadium in Costa Mesa.

The Rustlers already made history with a perfect 10-0 regular season and the program's first-ever Southern California title. On Saturday, Golden West will make its first state championship game appearance and can wrap up an undefeated 13-0 season as well as the school's first football state title.

But the Rustlers will have to go through the defending champs to stake their claim as the top team in the state. San Mateo has experience in the postseason on its side as the Bulldogs will be making their fourth straight trip to the state championship final.

San Mateo has won two state titles over that period. CSM defeated Mt. SAC 43-11 in last year's state championship game, fell to Riverside 24-21 in 2023, and rolled to a 55-0 rout over Riverside in 2022.

San Mateo suffered just one loss during the season, a 13-6 setback to City College of San Francisco in Week 8. CSM was riding a 17-game winning streak and was unbeaten in its last 26 games at home prior to that matchup.

Since that season-low offensive contest, the Bulldogs have averaged 44 points over their last four games.

CSM relies on the run to control the tempo of the game and is averaging nearly 200 yards (197.1) on the ground. A trio of running backs all rushed for identical statistics sharing time in the back field. Dominick Gonzalez holds a slim advantage with 81 carries for 550 yards, Malakhi DeMoss ran 124 times for 546 yards, and Ali Collier totaled 544 yards on 104 attempts.

Quarterback Luke Alexander took over starting duties midway through the season and has completed 83 of 151 passes for 996 yards with 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions.

The CSM defense is best in the state, allowing just 13.0 points and 204.6 yards per game. Defensive back Trevon Watson was named the Bay 6 League Defensive Player of the Year and leads the hungry unit.

Golden West's high-flying offense will definitely put the Bulldogs to the test. The Rustlers enter the contest ranked ninth in the state with 42.4 points and 17^th with 423.0 yards per game. Golden West is balanced, passing for 2,811 yards while totaling 2,229 yards on the ground.

Since making his first start of the season in Week 5, quarterback Kauna'oa Kamakawiwo'ole has been electric in leading the Rustlers' offense.

Kamakawiwo'ole tossed four TDs in that contest and hasn't slowed down since. On the season, he's completed 138 of 203 passes for 1,966 yards with 24 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions.

His top target has been wide receiver Tanner Schmmidt. The National Central League Offensive Player of the Year has hauled in 61 receptions for 1,183 yards and 16 TDs. Despite facing double-coverage, Schmidt has totaled 100+ yards receiving in three straight games and has achieved the feat in five of his last six.

Aaron Mitchell and Kendric Thomas lead a tough running back group. Mitchell's ran 99 times for 586 yards with 6 TDs while Thomas has 96 carries for 565 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The Golden West defense has been just as impressive, allowing 17.5 points per game to rank No. 5 in the state. Brandon Soleau was named the National Central League Defensive Player of the Year and leads the Rustlers with 92 tackles.

Tickets to Saturday's matchup are available online in advance at the 3C2A tickets page. Cash will not be accepted at the gate.

Ticket prices are as follows:
Adult General Admission - $16
Student General Admission (High School/College w/ID) - $11
Seniors (60+) / Child General Admission (11 years or younger) - $11

The game will be broadcast live online for free by Overnght. Live stats will also be available at the 3C2A website.