Cougars Lose Second Game in Row

Playing the fourth-ranked team in the state isn’t the best way to rebound from a loss--and Capistrano Valley didn’t bounce back Friday night.

After beginning the season with three consecutive victories, Capistrano Valley stumbled for the second consecutive week. Bakersfield was the culprit this time, defeating Capistrano Valley, 31-14, in a nonleague game at Bakersfield.

Capistrano Valley trailed, 17-7, at halftime and lost to drop its record to 3-2. Capistrano Valley lost to Atascadero last week, 14-12.

Although Capistrano Valley gained 339 total yards, it struggled throughout the game against Bakersfield’s defense, which has three shutouts this season and has given up only three touchdowns. Too many mistakes at key moments stopped several Capistrano Valley drives.

Despite his team’s problems, Malaefou MacKenzie, Capistrano Valley’s talented running back, played well again. MacKenzie rushed for 113 yards in only eight carries, including an 86-yard touchdown run with 3:16 remaining in the second quarter that helped Capistrano Valley score its only points in the first half.

MacKenzie has rushed for 491 yards. MacKenzie has scored eight touchdowns and is averaging 10.4 yards per carry.

Capistrano Valley quarterback Austin Moherman, who has orally committed to Ohio State, completed 23 of 39 passes for 226 yards. With Bakersfield leading, 31-7, in the fourth quarter, Moherman helped close the game’s scoring when he teamed with receiver Todd Puffer on a 35-yard touchdown pass with 4:42 left to play.

Bakersfield (5-0), ranked fourth in the state and fourth in Division I by Cal-Hi Sports, never trailed after taking a 7-0 first-quarter lead. Running back Adrien Dugas, Bakersfield’s leading rusher this season with 415 yards, scored on touchdown runs of 11 and five yards.