The Santa Rosa Junior College football team (3-2) pulled off its second straight comeback win, a 24-17 win in overtime against Laney College (1-4) Saturday afternoon.
The Bear Cubs entered fresh off a last-second win against San Jose City College the week prior, but still without starting quarterback Jacob Porteous.
The first quarter was a defensive clinic from both teams, with four punts and seven changes of possession. Bear Cubs running back Zion Williams accounted for the only offense in the first quarter with 30 rushing yards.
The Bear Cubs snuck in a field goal at the start of the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead.
A controversial no-call on pass interference cost the Bear Cubs on a drive that ended in a turnover on downs.
Both teams kept up the strong defense the rest of the second quarter. Backup quarterback Bobby McGovern threw two interceptions and fumbled at [time]. The fumble resulted in an Eagles touchdown on the next drive.
The Bear Cubs offense looked stagnant going into halftime, trailing 7-3.
The Bear Cubs’ running game came alive in the third quarter. Zion Williams rushed for a 51-yard gain and scored a touchdown later that drive.
“When I’m out there on those long runs, I just try to stay locked in and not think too far ahead,” Williams said. “If I can keep my legs moving and put us in a good position to score, that’s a win for the team.”
A pass interference call against the Bear Cubs frustrated fans who felt the call was inconsistent with the no-call earlier in the game.
Each team was able to score in the fourth quarter. Williams ran for a 6-yard touchdown, and Eagles defensive player Jayden Bridgewater picked off McGovern for the fourth time, returning it for a touchdown.
The game was tied 17-17 with 1:42 left when Laney attempted a 26-yard field goal. The stadium fell silent as the kick soared into the upright, before a loud “doink” sent the crowd and Bear Cubs sideline into a frenzy.
The score remained tied at 17 going into overtime.
Per college football overtime rules, each team had one possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line with no clock.
SRJC won the coin toss and started with the ball. Williams rushed for 24 total yards on three carries to reach the 1-yard line.
McGovern was stood up at the line on back-to-back sneak attempts. Fans expressed frustration at the ball placement.
On fourth-and-goal, the Bear Cubs went back to Williams who was able to get in the end zone for his third touchdown of the day. He finished with 223 rushing yards, in addition to the three touchdowns, carrying the Bear Cubs offense.
“That last touchdown in overtime was a dream come true,” Williams said. “My coaches believed in me and called my number for the play. I knew I had to give it my all.”
The SRJC defense shut down Laney in five plays on the final possession, securing the 24-17 win.
Coaches did not respond to requests for comment after the game.
The Bear Cubs have a bye this week and will travel to Butte College on Oct. 11.
