Defense lifts No. 4 Golden West over No. 15 Bakersfield in league opener

BAKERSFIELD – On a day when the Golden West College offense wasn't its sharpest, the Rustlers' defense came up with big plays when it was needed most. A pair of first-quarter touchdowns proved to be the difference as No. 4 state-ranked Golden West outlasted No. 15 Bakersfield College 21-13 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday in both teams' National Central League opener.

Bakersfield held a big advantage in the final stats, outgaining Golden West 331 total offensive yards to 157 while collecting 21 first downs to just nine by the Rustlers.

But the GWC defense limited Bakersfield to field goals on two long drives, while Kruz Wheeler's 68-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in the third quarter highlighted a strong defensive effort.

Golden West took a 14-3 lead heading into the second quarter after quarterback Noa Banua guided the Rustlers on a pair of scoring drives. After BC fumbled on the game's opening kick off, Banua took advantage four plays later by tossing a 12-yard touchdown to Will McKissick at the 13:02 mark.

Moments before the end of the first, Banua ran in from five yards out for a rushing touchdown.

Bakersfield got its lone TD in the second to cut the Rustlers' lead to four points at 14-10. But the Renegades would get no closer. Wheeler's defensive touchdown at the nine-minute mark in the third extended the Golden West advantage to 11 points at 21-10.

Early in the fourth, BC put together a long 13-play, 81-yard drive but was stuffed at the Rustlers' five-yard and was forced to settle for a field goal. The Golden West defense shut down BC the rest of the way to close out the victory.

The Rustlers were able to win the contest while passing for just 71 yards and rushing for 86 yards. Kendric Thomas led GWC on the ground with 13 carries for 36 yards. McKissick had 3 receptions for 40 yards and a TD.

Brandon Soleau led the defense with 12 tackles while Wheeler had 8 tackles and the big fumble recovery. Micah Ainuu and Zeph Misa both had sacks.

With the win, Golden West improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the National Central League. The Rustlers are one of just three undefeated National Division teams remaining.

GWC is back in action next Saturday (Sep. 27) at noon when the Rustlers host East Los Angeles College in a National Central League game in Huntington Beach.