Late Rally Falls Short Against Bakersfield College

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - El Camino College rallied late but couldn't overcome a costly second quarter in a 20-15 loss to Bakersfield on Saturday night.  

The Warriors (0-2) struck first against the No.16 ranked Bakersfield Renegades (1-1) but 20 unanswered points to end the first half was too much for El Camino.  

El Camino College took the lead in the first quarter after a 61 yard drive that took 13 plays.  Aaron Thomas found Kishawn Berry for a 14-yard pass in the right side of the endzone to put the Warriors up 6-0.   Chris Valle missed the point after kick.

The Warriors had a nightmare second quarter that allowed Bakersfield to score 20 points.  The Renegades scored right away with their first drive of the second quarter for a 73-yard drive.  Elisha Ortiz ran for a 12 yard touchdown and the Renegades made the PAT to go ahead 7-6.

After a 55-yard punt by Quinn Perry, the Bakersfield retuner returned it to the El Camino 45-yard line.   However, a personal foul penalty allowed the Renegades to start at the El Camino 30-yard line. After tackling Cam Roberson for a loss of yards, El Camino committed another personal foul to put the Renegades on the 19-yard line.  Three plays later, Josh Medina found Elisha Ortiz again for a 15-yard score. The Warriors blocked the PAT attempt to hold the Bakersfield lead to 13-6.

On the next El Camino drive, Thomas had a pass intercepted for a pick-six to increase the Bakersfield lead to 20-6 heading into halftime.  

The Warriors scored on their first drive to start the third quarter.  A 9-play, 70 yard drive culminated in a Chris Valle field goal to cut the Bakersfield lead to 20-9.  

The Warrior defense would go on to hold the Bakersfield scoreless for the rest of the game.

El Camino forced a fumble to start the 4th quarter by Justin Martz and Vandrew Epenesa recovered the ball to put the Warriors at the Bakersfield 37-yard line.  However, Chris Valle 34-yard field goal attempt was tipped by the Bakersfield defense and fell well short of the posts.

With 7:07 left in the game, the Warriors defense was able to force another Bakersfield fumble.  Angelo Pacheco recovered the ball at the Bakersfield 1-yard line. Grant Ferrauilo was able to run the ball in for a touchdown on the ensuing possession.  After a failed, 2-point conversion, El Camino trailed by 5 points, 20-15.

The Warriors would get the ball back with 1:43 left in the game, but the comeback attempt fell short after a sack and three incomplete passes.  

El Camino outgained Bakersfield in total yards with 237 to 218 yards.  The Warriors had 11 penalties for 96 yards and Bakersfield had 9 penalties for 85 yards.  

Quarterback Aaron Thomas was 15-22 for 156 yards, and one touchdown.  Trevon Clark had four receptions for 77 yards to lead the Warriors.

Justin Martz led the defense with seven tackles and one forced fumble.  

The Warriors return home to Murdock Stadium on Saturday, September 15th for a game against LA Harbor.  Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM.