Golden West Finally Defeats Fullerton

Golden West ended a 15-year drought against Fullerton and Coach Ray Shackleford reached a milestone as the Rustlers defeated the Hornets, 19-7, Friday night.

The victory was No. 150 for Shackleford, in his 27th year as coach of the Rustlers. He ranks fourth among active community college coaches. Golden West had lost 11 in a row to Fullerton. The last time the Rustlers beat the Hornets was a 10-7 victory in the 1977 Avocado Bowl.

Leading, 3-0, in the second quarter, the Rustlers increased their advantage to 10-0 thanks to a pair of key plays by Vance Senteno. Senteno recovered a muffed punt at the Hornet 25-yard line and then rushed for a touchdown on the next play. Senteno finished the night with 102 yards rushing, his third consecutive 100-yard game.

Fullerton narrowed the margin to 10-7 on Mike Carter’s 44-yard run, but another Senteno touchdown and a safety put the Rustlers ahead, 19-7.

Josh Nelson completed nine consecutive passes in the fourth quarter but the Hornet rally fell short.