After a heartbreaking loss in overtime against Moorpark, BC kept their heads up and eyes forward. Hosting the no.4 juco in CA at Memorial Stadium for Agriculture & Energy night, BC earned a huge win, 45-27 final.
Quarterback, Malachi Statler was named BC’s starting QB filling in for QB Vincent Igoa minutes prior to kickoff. Statler got going 20-30 on the pass, 261 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception with a QB rating of 119.58.
Five receivers (Jacoby Pointer, Jalen Richmond, Mekhi Smith, Devon Sundgren, Cleveland Tolbert) earned 1 touchdown. However, Defense also had an amazing performance as they combined for eight tackles for loss.
Two forced fumbles (Zander Pulido, Jayden Hollis), both recovered by Aaron Martinez and
Julian Smith who came up with a game sealing interception and a huge tackle for loss of 20 yards.
Defensive-Back, Jayden Hollis came out amped up and forced a fumble on Ventura’s offensive opening play. Statler completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Receiver, Jalen Richmond. Ventura struck back with a four-minute offensive drive for a touchdown to tie the game.
The 2nd quarter consisted of a completed touchdown drive from Ventura to take the lead. Freshman Receiver, Jacoby Pointer received the kickoff from the one-yard line, ties the game with his electrifying 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. Following up, Statler threw his 2nd touchdown to freshman Devon Sundgren.
Entering the 2nd half, Ventura received the ball and opened with a two-play drive to take the lead 24-21. Statler quickly connected with Jacoby Pointer for 36 yards and a touchdown to gain the lead.
Carlos Villa made a field goal, followed by a 23-yard touchdown from Statler to Tolbert. Defense showed zero signs of stopping, as Zander Pulido forces a fumble recovered by Julian Smith. Ventura makes a stop and responds with a 29-yard field goal.
Statler pushes the score to 45-27 with a 11-yard touchdown pass to Mekhi Smith. To end the game on a perfect note, showing presence all over the field, Julian Smith once again forces a turnover with an interception to give offense the victory formation.
“My mind was telling me that it was go time and my mindset stays the same, I go into every game preparing myself as if I was going to play. That comes with preparation in practice, watching film, and being in the right state of mind.,” Statler said, when asked about his position to start.
“It was a great feeling to make such a huge impact and to set the tone for the game, especially because it was my first game back in my starting position after a hand injury that forced me out of multiple games,’’ Hollis stated, after forcing his first play fumble.
BC’s record moves up to 5-3 on the season with two games left and is set to play back at home vs. Santa Barbara on Nov. 16.
