Walnut, Calif. – In a thrilling game that came down to the wire, Mt. SAC (10-0) secured a hard-fought 34-27 victory against Golden West (8-2) in the final regular-season matchup, claiming the National Central League Division Title for the second consecutive year.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The game began with Golden West taking an early lead in the first quarter as the Rustlers' running back Kendric Thomas opened the scoring with a 33-yard touchdown run. Shortly after, Mt. SAC's Jacob Bonilla kicked a field goal, narrowing the score to 7-3. Golden West extended their lead in the second quarter with two more touchdowns. First, quarterback Will Burns connected with Colin Payne for a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 24-yard run from Burns. Mt. SAC responded with a 3-yard touchdown run from Devin Miles, but Golden West held a 21-10 lead at halftime.

The Mounties came alive in the third quarter with back-to-back touchdowns. Quarterback Noah Fuailetolo launched a 38-yard touchdown pass to Pierce Brown, followed shortly by an 11-yard strike to De'shon Thompson, propelling Mt. SAC into the lead at 24-21. Golden West quickly responded with a 37-yard field goal by Fernando Mancil, leveling the score at 24-24.

The fourth quarter kept fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought to gain the upper hand. Golden West reclaimed the lead with a 31-yard field goal by Mancil, but Mt. SAC quickly answered with Bonilla's 32-yard field goal, tying the game at 27-27 with under five minutes to play. As the clock ticked down, Miles delivered the decisive blow for the Mounties with a 16-yard touchdown run, sealing a dramatic 34-27 victory and clinching the National Central League Division title.

BY THE NUMBERS:

 Total Offense:

• Mt. SAC: 356 yards (227 passing, 129 rushing)
• Golden West: 369 yards (216 passing, 153 rushing)

Rushing Attack:

• Mt. SAC: Devin Miles led with 21 carries for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Golden West: Kendric Thomas paced with 6 carries for 48 yards and 1 touchdown.

Passing:

• Mt. SAC: Noah Fuailetolo completed 11 of 21 passes for 188 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
• Golden West: Will Burns went 24 of 40 for 216 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.

Receiving:

• Mt. SAC: De'shon Thompson dominated with 8 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Golden West: Colin Payne caught 8 passes for 65 yards and 1 touchdown.

Defense:

• Mt. SAC: 2 sacks, 1 interception (Juan Salas), and 3 tackles for loss.
• Golden West: 4 sacks, 1 interception (Jayden Jackson), and 8 tackles for loss.

Special Teams:

• Mt. SAC: Jacob Bonilla hit 2/2 field goals (long of 38 yards) and made all 4 extra points.
• Golden West: Fernando Mancil also went 2/2 on field goals (long of 37 yards) and converted all 3 extra points.

UP NEXT:

The No. 1 ranked Mounties are schedule to compete against No. 6 ranked El Camino on Saturday, November 30. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM at Hilmer Lodge Stadium. Come out to support your Mounties!

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