BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield College Renegades closed their season with a home victory over the Santa Barbara City College Vaqueros, using a dominant second half to secure a 40-17 win. BC's balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense were too much for the visiting Vaqueros, as the Renegades finished their season 6-4.

Santa Barbara struck first on their opening drive to put the Vaqueros ahead 7-0. However, Bakersfield quickly responded, as quarterback Malachi Statler connected with Ja'Daniels Nettles on a 6-yard touchdown pass. A missed extra point left the Renegades trailing 7-6.

SBCC added to their lead early in the second quarter with a 43-yard field goal, but BC took control late in the half. Statler orchestrated a 12-play, 85-yard drive capped by David Smith's 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Renegades a 13-10 halftime lead.

The Renegades found another gear after the break, starting with Jalen Hankins' 3-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, extending the lead to 20-10. Statler kept the offense rolling in the fourth, hitting Mekhi Smith for a 15-yard touchdown to push the margin to 17 points.

Bakersfield's defense and special teams set the tone in the fourth quarter. Nathaniel Wallace's interception led to a Carlos Villa field goal, and a fumble recovery on the ensuing kickoff set up another Hankins touchdown run, this time from 13 yards out. A second field goal from Villa stretched the lead to 40-10.

The Vaqueros added a late touchdown on a 26-yard pass, but the Renegades' commanding lead was never in jeopardy. Statler finished the game with 16-of-20 completions, 184 yards, and two touchdowns, while Hankins had 13 carries, 71 yards, and two touchdowns. Smith ended the night with 7 receptions, 85 yards, and one touchdown. Bryan Holley, Hugo Camacho, and Logan Goodspeed had one sack each.

Bakersfield dominated in total offense, racking up 439 yards compared to Santa Barbara's 204. The Renegades also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions, while holding the Vaqueros to just 22 rushing yards.

With the victory, Bakersfield their regular season is now complete. BC will wait to find out if they are invited for a post season Bowl Game. Stay tune at gogades.com to find out more information.