Molock Gets Rush Job Done Against Idaho State

Despite the 31-30 overtime loss Saturday against visiting Idaho State, Cal State Northridge appeared to solve a number of problems.

Most notably, the Matadors appear to have finally found a running attack.

Bruce Molock rushed for 199 yards in 36 carries, the most yards by a Matador since Robert Trice gained a school-record 278 against Nevada Las Vegas in 1993. Fullback Crayton Milton, who had logged only four carries in two games, had 36 yards in nine carries, at times bowling over tacklers with his 260-pound frame. Milton also caught two passes for 10 yards.

Northridge rushed for 246 yards, averaging 4.1 yards a carry.

“Bruce brings some speed to our backfield that I haven’t seen since I got here,” Jeff Kearin of Northridge said. “I knew we had the ability to run. But we haven’t been a two-back team since the 1980s.”

Molock, a freshman from Antelope Valley High, displayed an elusive style on several impressive gains, his longest 25 yards. Molock’s only score came on a 15-yard run in overtime.

More important, Molock and the Matadors held onto the ball. After committing 12 turnovers in three games, including six fumbles, Northridge had none against Idaho State.

“It’s just taken some time for me to get into the right tempo,” Molock said. “The line has been blocking great. I’ll get better quickly.”

As for Milton, Kearin said he expects to increase the role of his big back.

“He’s always been in the game plan,” Kearin said. “He catches the ball extremely well and he runs extremely well.”

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Despite the missed extra-point in overtime by Derek Brown, Kearin said he does not anticipate changing kickers.

Still, nothing is beyond consideration, Kearin said.

Punter Ethan Beck, who handles kickoffs, was a capable kicker at Bakersfield Highland High. Brown has made seven of 10 point-after attempts and is two of three on field goals.

“It’s not like I need to do anything drastic,” Kearin said. “Derek is a good kicker and he’ll be a good kicker. No one works harder than him on his skill. He missed a pretty emotional kick. This was as difficult a loss to swallow for me as it was for them, but I told the kids no game comes down to one play. All I care about is the next kick.”

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Drew Amerson, the Matadors’ best receiver, returned against Idaho State after a two-game absence because of a knee injury. But Amerson barely played and did not catch a pass.

Marcus Brady spread 17 completions among six receivers, including tight end Nate Davenport, Molock and Milton. The receptions were the first this season for Davenport, who had two, and Milton, who had one. Molock had one reception before making two catches against Idaho State.

D.J. Hackett had six catches. Jason Stone, at 6 feet 5, is the tallest receiver in Northridge history and is playing an increasing role.

Stone had four catches for 85 yards, including a 50-yard scoring play in the second quarter. Stone’s leaping grab in the end zone with 1:10 to play tied the score, 24-24.

“I’ve just needed time to know the offense,” Stone said.