Defense Makes the Difference for Golden West, 24-14

Before the season started, Golden West College knew its defense was going to be the team’s strength.

And it was the defense, with seven experienced players, that led the Rustlers to a 24-14 season-opening victory over Bakersfield Saturday night in front of 9,321 in Memorial Stadium.

Golden West intercepted five passes and blocked a punt. It was the blocked punt that set up the Rustlers’ tie-breaking touchdown.

Golden West sophomore John Whiteman burst through the middle and blocked freshman David Miller’s punt attempt on the Bakersfield two-yard-line with 10:49 left in the third quarter. The ball was recovered on the four. Two plays later, sophomore David Satterfield scored on a two-yard dive to put Golden West ahead, 14-7.

Satterfield led the Rustlers with 135 yards in 35 carries. David Sanders of Bakersfield was the game’s leading rusher with 156 yards in 19 attempts.

The Rustlers held Bakersfield to just 27 passing yards in the first half and 118 in the game. Bakersfield quarterback Manual Garcia was only 12 of 30.

Mark Ziegenhagen and Dan Ramsey intercepted Garcia passes in the first half. Glenn Harris had two interceptions and Roger Church one in the second half.

After the defense stopped a Renegade drive, the Rustlers again scored to lead 21-7 with 10 minutes left.

Fullback Ted Pappas finished the 10-play, 42-yard drive with a one-yard dive over right end.

Bakersfield scored on its next possession to cut the lead to 21-14, but freshman kicker Spencer LaBlanca kicked a 31-yard field goal with 6:15 left.

That was set up when the Renegades tried an on-side kick that failed after they had scored to cut the lead to 21-14.