Bakersfield Passes Its History Test : High school football: Steve Wofford rushes for 165 yards and three touchdowns as Drillers foil Antelope Valley’s bid for an upset, 35-13.

Over the years, Antelope Valley High has been able to play the spoiler’s role.

Last year, the Antelopes upset touted Bishop Amat in the playoffs. Antelope Valley also ended Canyon High’s record 46-game winning streak in 1986.

Saturday night’s game against Bakersfield, the No. 3-ranked team in the state by Cal-Hi Sports, was an opportunity to add another impressive victory to the list.

But All-American running back Steve Wofford would have none of that. Wofford rushed for 165 yards in 26 carries and three touchdowns, leading Bakersfield to a 35-13 nonleague victory over the Antelopes--ranked No. 16 in the state.

Wofford capped Bakersfield’s opening drive by scoring on a one-yard run, snapping Antelope Valley’s string of shutouts at two games.

“Wofford is an excellent player and he’s everything they say he is,” Antelope Valley Coach Brent Newcomb said.

Wofford, the Central Section’s all-time leading rusher, would add touchdown runs of 13 and 21 yards before the end of the first half.

Antelope Valley was on the verge of being blown out until its defense forced two turnovers.

The Antelopes converted both of them into scores. Chad Murphy went 44 yards on a screen pass and Ken Nelson added a one-yard run, bringing the Antelopes to within 21-13.

Bakersfield scored two quick touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

Bakersfield receiver Joel Morales caught a 53-yard pass that set up a seven-yard touchdown run by James Wofford, Steve’s brother.

On Antelope Valley’s ensuing possession, the Drillers blocked Chad Shrout’s punt and recovered it in the end zone to cap the scoring.

Antelope Valley running back Jermaine Lewis, who rushed for 247 yards against Bakersfield last season, was held in check, gaining only 29 yards on 10 carries.

“We were keying on him all week,” Bakersfield Coach Pat Preston said. “We needed to corral him and not let him run wild.”

The Drillers have a date next week with Bishop Amat at Bakersfield College. Bishop Amat is ranked No. 1 in the state poll and No. 1 in the nation by USA Today.