THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES : Vance Senteno

College: Golden West

Sport: Football

Position: Running Back

Class: Freshman

Senteno, from Westminster High School, started the season figuring it would be a chance to watch and learn because Golden West had two experienced tailbacks ahead of him.

But when Derrick Ragsdale (neck) and Brian Williams (ankle) went down with injuries, Senteno was thrust into the starting spot two weeks ago.

He has made the most of his opportunity, rushing for 100 or more yards in each of the starts. He ran for 139 yards and had 203 in total offense in Golden West’s loss to San Diego Mesa, 28-12, Saturday.

Senteno, who has 341 yards and three touchdowns this season, is averaging almost five yards a carry.

Another top performer:

Rancho Santiago’s Juan Garcia, who rushed for 101 yards in the Dons’ 28-6 loss to Orange Coast. He has rushed for 402 yards in the last three games.