SCFA Bowl Week Preview

Allan Hancock @ Golden West

Sunday, 11/24, 12:30 PM – Golden West College

Photographer: Richard Do | Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:

The Golden West Rustlers (8-2) will host the Allan Hancock Bulldogs (6-4) in the 3C2A Southern California Bowl. This will be their first matchup since 2012, when Golden West narrowly defeated Allan Hancock 35-32.

The Rustlers are coming off a hard-fought near-upset against the #1 state-ranked Mt. SAC. Although their playoff hopes were dashed earlier this week when the 3C2A brackets were announced, head coach Nick Mitchell remains focused. Having led the Rustlers to bowl games in the past three seasons (1-2 record), Mitchell views this game as both a developmental opportunity for first-year players and a farewell to second-year athletes completing their JUCO eligibility.

Against Mt. SAC, standout wide receiver Collin Payne hauled in eight receptions for 65 yards, including an acrobatic one-handed touchdown grab. Quarterback Will Burns, who has had an impressive debut season, will look to keep the offense rolling. For the Rustlers to succeed, however, their defense must tighten up the secondary, which proved costly in their previous loss.

Allan Hancock has experienced its share of ups and downs in recent years, with win percentages hovering between .500 and .600. Like Golden West, the Bulldogs have appeared in bowl games in their last two seasons (1-1 record). Offensively, the Bulldogs average 38.0 points and 393.8 yards per game, making for an intriguing battle against the Rustlers’ defense. A flawless performance will be essential for Allan Hancock to pull off the upset.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Golden West closes the season with a bowl victory, defeating Allan Hancock 35-14.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Golden West takes down the Bulldogs 42-10 to claim the Southern California Bowl.

LA Southwest @ Santa Ana

Monday, 11/25, 6:00 PM – Santa Ana Stadium

Photographer: Luke Lastra | Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:

The second bowl game on our schedule takes us to Santa Ana, where the 7-3 Dons will host the 6-4 LA Southwest Cougars in the Western State Bowl. This marks the second consecutive bowl appearance for the Dons, who capped their regular season on November 16 with a tough 34-7 loss to College of the Desert.

Quarterback Diego Murillo struggled last week, completing just 12 of 29 passes for 104 yards. On defense, Owen Tesch led the way with 10 total tackles, while Jaxon Brown and Christian Gabby each added five or more. Earlier this season, Santa Ana defeated LA Southwest 28-19, giving the Dons confidence heading into this rematch.

The Cougars, meanwhile, dropped their final game of the regular season 28-15 to Glendale College. Quarterback Gabe Motschenbacher completed 34 of 48 passes for 225 yards, with wide receiver Ryan Franklin recording 11 catches for 100 yards. Defensively, Tyreek Curley stood out with 11 solo tackles.

PREDICTION:

Santa Ana wins the Western State Bowl to close out their season with a 35-14 victory.

Bakersfield @ Saddleback

Tuesday, 11/26, 2:00 PM – Saddleback College

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:

Our final bowl game of the 2024 college football season takes us to Saddleback College for a rare Tuesday afternoon matchup. The 7-3 Saddleback Bobcats will host the 6-4 Bakersfield Renegades in the Patriotic Bowl.

Bakersfield enters the game fresh off a dominant 40-17 win over Santa Barbara. Quarterback Malachi Statler was efficient, completing 16 of 20 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Jalen Hankins contributed two rushing scores on 71 yards across 13 carries.

The Bobcats, meanwhile, wrapped up their best season since 2019 with a convincing 41-19 victory over Mt. San Jacinto. Quarterback Trey Kukuk completed 18 of 26 passes for three touchdowns, while defensive standout Dallas White recorded six solo tackles to lead the charge.

PREDICTION:

Saddleback captures its first bowl win since 2018, edging out Bakersfield 35-28.