80-0 WIN OVER DE ANZA PROVIDES 9TH LEAGUE TITLE IN 10 SEASONS FOR 2-TIME DEFENDING 3C2A STATE CHAMPS

       The Bulldogs wrapped up a repeat Bay 6 League title with the convincing win over De Anza College at College Heights Stadium Saturday. They are also likely the No. 1 seed for the upcoming Northern California Football Conference playoffs.

It was the fifth consecutive Bay 6 title for CSM, now 4-0 in the Bay 6 and 8-1 overall; also, the ninth league  crown in ten football seasons – heading into next week's regular season/league finale at San Jose City College.    

       The state's top defense kept getting the ball back in Mountain Lion territory on Saturday.

 The CSM offense and special teams took advantage, scoring a dozen times to run-up what is considered the second highest point total in the Bulldogs' 105-year football history. The San Mateo record is an 83-0 win over West Valley in 2011. That bettered the former mark set the previous year in a 77-0 victory at West Valley.

       It took just over two minutes for San Mateo to score on Saturday – off its defense. Joseph Bey picked off De Anza quarterback Brandon Arceo on the third play to set CSM up on the Mountain Lions 26-yard-line. Nano Latu, a freshman out of Serra High, quickly rushed for 23 yards to the three and then into the end zone on the second play to give the Bulldogs the only points they needed with 12:44 on the first quarter clock.

       It was the first of three consecutive TD runs by Latu, coupled with a 31-yard field goal by Logan Calder. That put the Bulldogs ahead, 24-0, after 25 minutes of play. Jalen Arnold tallied the next two touchdowns, returning a punt 59 yards and then running in a pass reception from Austin Rovig for a 25-yard tally.

       The San Mateo defense was relentless, with a pair of interceptions and four sacks to increase its statewide marks – while limiting De Anza to four net yards passing and 87 total offensive yards. CSM kept the score under a hundred by passing only 12 times (for 67 yards) while keeping the ball on the ground with 39 carries for 328 yards (8.4 yards per rush). That included four kneeldowns  over its last two possessions, all in De Anza territory.

       Savion Bandy had the other interception, returning it 82 yards for a third quarter score. The Bulldogs have 16 season pass interceptions and 32 sacks, ranking third overall in the state in both categories. The defense has scored five touchdowns, tied for best in the state.

       CSM leads the National (state championship) division in least points allowed (86) and in fewest average yards permitted (224.8).

       CSM coach Tim Tulloch expects to receive the No. 1 seed for the playoffs, which begin Nov. 14 with the top two region seeds receiving byes. The Bulldogs are looking to host a NorCal semifinal game on Nov. 21.  

       The only blemish on San Mateo's 8-1 campaign came in a 4-overtime non-league loss to Sierra College (also 8-1) in September. State No. 4 ranked Sierra closes hosting No. 7 Butte College (7-2)  next week for the NorCal League title and the likely No. 2 playoff seed.  

       Tulloch praised freshman defensive back Ant Dean for causing a pair of fumbles. San Mateo recovered three De Anza miscues. Lolomanaia Clark forced and recovered fumbles, had two sacks, and seven total tackles.

       Clark's third quarter sack resulted in a  De Anza fumble, which was recovered by David Dika and returned 24 yards for a touchdown. Filisione Vakalahi led the Bulldogs with eight tackles.

       On offense, Latu rushed for 88 yards on 12 carries. Saliou Sow had 99 yards on ten trips and scored a TD. Tre Moten scored two touchdowns and totaled 49 yards on five carries. Jordan Kafari rushed for 96 yards and scored the final touchdown with 7:11 left in the game.

   --Fred Baer, CSM Athletic Communications                                   Ronald Rugel PHOTO: Jalen Arnold scored two TDs for CSM

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