Football: Victorious on the Road; Martinez Throws and Runs for a TD

Bakersfield, Calif. - In their first road game of the 2022 season the Rustlers showed their toughness in a 24-14 victory at Bakersfield.

The Golden West defense dominated the game from start to finish with six sacks, nine tackles for a loss, and one interception all while holding the Renegades to 164 yards of total offense and 14 yards rushing. Bakersfields' only scores came on special teams with two punts returns, one to end the first quarter and the second came with about a minute left to play in the fourth quarter. 

The Rustlers held a 14-7 lead at halftime from quarterback Malakai Martinez's lone touchdown throw to Robert Sarmiento in the first quarter and then running back Sam Lybeer rushed for a score in the second quarter. 

The scoring continued early in the third quarter when place kicker, Jake Cipres nailed a 25-yarder to extend the lead 17-7. Then Martinez used his legs to rush for three yard touchdown on the next possession to make it 24-7 midway through the third quarter. That was all the Rustlers would need to close out the road victory in Bakerfield and move to 3-0 on the season. 

Next week will feature a rematch of the Southern California Championships from a season ago as #1 ranked Riverside City comes to #3 ranked Golden West for a 12pm kickoff.