Football Opens Season With a Win Over San Bernardino Valley, 45-23

Jalave Magalei throws for 228 Yards
Photo Credit: Dave Aguilera

By John M. Sherrard

(San Bernardino, CA) Mt. SAC opened the season with a resounding, 45-23, victory over host San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC), in a non-conference game, Saturday night.

After trailing early, 10-0, the Mounties outscored SBVC 17-0 until late in the half. After a Wolverines score near the end of the half, Mt. SAC ran off 28 consecutive points through the 9:46 mark of the fourth quarter for the insurmountable, 45-16 lead before a late SBVC score.

Leading the charge was first-year quarterback, freshman Jaiave Magalei, with 235 yards and a touchdown. Eight Mounties caught receptions from the Tacoma, Washington native, which included three receivers over 50 yards.

Sophomore wide receiver Darrian Hambrick had eight catches for 75 yards and a touchdown (3 yards), sophomore Emetrious Scott had five receptions for 52 yards and freshman Chris Jackson caught three passes for 56 yards.

Six different players scored touchdowns for the Mounties, along with a 31-yard field goal by freshman kicker Andrew Rodriguez.

Mt. SAC freshman running back Hykeem Massey ran for a game-high 94 yards on seven carries and a touchdown (32 yds) and sophomore running back Malcolm Ballard added 44 yards and a TD (6 yds).

Also scoring for the Mounties was sophomore back Andre Walker (4 carries for 25 yards) with a 14-yard run and freshman running back Tre Elliott with a four-yard run.

On the defensive side of the ball, Mountie sophomore defensive lineman Atunaisa Vainikolo had two sacks for a minus 13 yards and four tackles. Sophomore defensive end Paula Hafoka had 2.5 sacks and two solo tackles.  The Mountie defense accounted for a total of 9 sacks in the game.

Sophomore defensive tackle Joe Williams blocked a punt and returned it 20 yards for a TD.

Mt. SAC will return to its temporary home of Covina District Field and host Ventura College, this Saturday at 6:00 pm.

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.