The Yuba College football team brought their record up to 3-5, 1-2 after an exciting win over Shasta College during their home game, Saturday November 2. The 49ers won the game 28-23 as a result of the team looking in good shape on all fronts.
Running-back Norm Freeman, whom Head Coach Ted Hoal has called “one of the leading rushers in the state,” rushed for 107 yards and caught two passes for 33 yards. Freeman was able to make it through Shasta’s tough line who had obviously pin-pointed him as their greatest foe, and was targeting their defense against him.
Yuba’s quarterback, Brian Botts took advantage of the targeted defense and used it as a means to advance the throwing game. Botts threw 26-for-32 with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. Botts has come back with full force after injuring his hand during a team practice in early October.
Hoal stated, “He dislocated his hand a while back, and I think he’s just starting to feel right again. The ball feels better in his hand. He’s really a smart kid.”
Yuba continued with its traditionally strong defensive line, led by team captain Soloni Taumalolo who made two sacks during the game keeping the Shasta Knight’s quarter-back in check. The Yuba defense showed Shasta’s 260-pound star defensive lineman, Eric Williams that he couldn’t intimidate them.
The defensive team forced Shasta to work for field goals at the 36, 43 and 34 yard lines. The line also made two defensive stops in the final minutes of the game keeping the win locked in Yuba’s favor. Taumalolo The November 2 win was a welcomed change after their 31-17 loss against American River College the Saturday before. The first half of the game, against the AR Beavers, consisted of incomplete plays, and missed chances including a missed 2 and goal, which resulted in a field goal. Despite the game loss, Yuba finished with 386 yards of offense while American River only had 243.
The 49ers also lost Saturday, October 18, on the road to San Joaquin Delta College, 42-22. The 49ers, coming off of a bye week, were only trailing by one touchdown in the first half. However, the San Joaquin Mustangs came back to take the second half. The win boosted the San Joaquin Delta record 6-0, 1-0 with a ranking of second in Northern California.
Damarcus Washington gained the most yards for the team, totaling five catches for 100 yards, which shadowed the Mustang’s star running back, Brandon Harper by only 34 yards.
The game against San Joaquin was the first game in which Brian Botts, returned to the field after his October 2 injury.
Yuba will play their last game of the season at home on Saturday Nov. 15th against Santa Rosa Junior College.
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