Three Brahmas fumbles in the 3rd quarter paved the way for the Bakersfield Renegades to get their first season victory.
The Pierce College Football team was defeated 32-19 on their season opener, marking the second year in a row that Pierce losses in their trip to Memorial Stadium in Bakersfield.
The Brahmas came into this game ranked 21 in the nation for junior colleges.
The first quarter was a scoreless tie between the two teams, with Pierce having a missed field goal attempt.
The first touchdown score of the game and also of the year for Pierce came with just a little bit above 10 minutes in the second quarter when receiver Brandon Smith plucked the ball out of the defenders hand in the end zone for a 52-yard touchdown to give Pierce a 7-0 lead.
Bakersfield later scored in the second quarter on a trick play tying the game at 7-7.
The Brahmas gave up a safety with just over 2 minutes left when the snap of the punt went over the punters head. Bakersfield scored on the following possession right before halftime giving them a 16-7 lead.
Pierce had three fumbles in the third quarter, which led to two touchdowns by Bakersfield.
“In the first game it’s always difficult offensively, but even tougher when you have new players at key positions on the offence,” said assistant head coach Jason Sabolic.
Bakersfield and Pierce both played sloppy football, with Pierce having 16 penalties for 140 yards and Bakersfield had 14 penalties for 121 yards.
The score at the end of the third quarter was 30-7.
The running game for Pierce only averaged 1.6 yards per carry, rushing 35 times for 57 yards.
Receivers Brandon Smith and Joseph Morris each caught a touchdown pass in the fourth.
Brahmas’ starter QB Jake Basmajian had 23 completions, 3 touchdown passes and over 300 yards passing in the team’s season opener.
The Pierce College Football team will go to Moorpark College for their second game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.
