Golden West captures first-ever SCFA title and will play for state title on Saturday

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Golden West College will play for its first-ever state title after the top-seeded Rustlers handled No. 2 Saddleback College by a final score of 33-15 in the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Championship on Saturday at Rustler Stadium.

History continues to be made for Golden West. This year's Southern California title was the first for the Rustlers who will also play in the state championship final for the first time. The Rustlers are also just a win away from the first perfect season in school history.

The Rustlers improved to 12-0 overall behind a sharp passing performance from quarterback Kaunaʻoa Kamakawiwo'ole, another unstoppable showing from wide receiver Tanner Schmidt, and a strong special-teams effort led by kicker Mattheo Zavala.

Golden West opened the game with back-to-back field goals from Zavala to build a 6-0 lead after the first quarter. The Rustlers extended their advantage in the second, as Kamakawiwo'ole connected with Will McKissick on a 14-yard touchdown pass and later found Tanner Schmidt for a 31-yard score. Zavala added a 38-yard field goal in the final minute of the half to send Golden West into the locker room with a 23-7 advantage.

Saddleback cut the deficit to 23-15 in the third quarter with a lengthy, 17-play scoring drive. The Bobcats converted a two-point attempt to make it a one-possession game, but Golden West responded early in the fourth with Zavala's fourth field goal of the afternoon. Running back Aaron Mitchell sealed the win with an eight-yard touchdown run midway through the final period.

Kamakawiwo'ole finished 18-of-27 passing for 272 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading an offense that totaled 451 yards and averaged 7.8 yards per play. The Rustlers were efficient on third down, converting 8 of 13 attempts while also succeeding on their only fourth-down try.

Schmidt had his third straight game, his fifth over his past six contests, with 100+ yards receiving. He fought through double-coverage to haul in 8 receptions for 166 yards (20.8 avg.) and a touchdown.

Mitchell was solid on the ground, leading the Rustlers with 10 carries for 84 yards and a TD. Ardwon Morris ran for 63 yards on 7 carries.

Defensively, Golden West held Saddleback scoreless in the fourth quarter and limited the Bobcats to 3.1 yards per rush. Brandon Soleau led with 10 tackles. Drew Faulkner had 7 tackles and a big interception while Rob Andrus totaled 6 tackles with a sack.

Golden West will now focus on a state title but will have to knock off defending state champion College of San Mateo to bring home the trophy. North No. 1-seeded San Mateo knocked off No. 2 Modesto Junior College in the NCFC Championship game on Saturday by a final score of 38-7. CSM takes an 11-1 overall record into the state championship.

The 3C2A State Championship is set for next Saturday, December 13 at LeBard Stadium in Costa Mesa. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.

(Golden West College Athletics)