#2 CSM scores first 24 points to blitz #21 ARC, 24-14

Justin Sinclair had two of San Mateo’s five pass interceptions, a fumble recovery, and made five tackles. (Photo by Patrick Nguyen / @patrophoto)
Justin Sinclair had two of San Mateo’s five pass interceptions, a fumble recovery, and made five tackles. (Photo by Patrick Nguyen / @patrophoto)
September 24, 2022
Watts Maintains State Leading QB Efficiency; Thefts By Sinclair Pace Defense:

SACRAMENTO -- State No. 2 ranked College of San Mateo took advantage of four first half turnovers and struck quickly for a 24-0 lead, resulting in a 24-14 victory at No. 21 American River College Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs, the top ranked team in Northern California, are off to a 4-0 non-league start.
 
Richie Watts, the state's most efficient passer with more than 50 attempts (a 192.1 collegiate rating)  coming into the game, threw two first half TD passes. The freshman standout also had the best completion percentage of any throwers, 76.5 per cent. Watts was right on his standards with an 18 of 24 for 231 yard performance, with no interceptions. He continues to lead all QB's on the state's 67 teams with a 76.0 completion percentage.
 
The Bulldogs defense stopped ARC (1-3) on its first possession, with defensive lineman John Gayer sacking QB Matt Carlisle and causing a fumble that Alo Mata'u recovered on the Beavers 40. A 25-yard pass from Watts to Reymello Murphy completed the efficient 40-yard drive in six plays and the Bulldogs were into the lead for good at 7-0. Murphy provided the third TD of the half, returning an American River punt 75 yards.
 
"We were opportunistic on defense," said CSM coach Tim Tulloch.
 
San Mateo caused seven turnovers in the game, while the Bulldogs did not commit any such errors! Justin Sinclair had two of San Mateo's five pass interceptions, a fumble recovery, and made five tackles (four solo).
 
Sinclair's first theft and 25-yard return at the start of the second quarter led to CSM's second score, a booming 43-yard field goal by Gabe Plascencia.
 
San Mateo again held the Beavers deep. Following a punt, the Bulldogs drove 74 yards, keyed by a 45-yard pass play from Watts to Justin Del Rosario. Watts then connected with Jamai East on a 14-yard TD pass.
 
Tight end Brandon Doyle led CSM pass receivers with three catches for 59 yards. East and Murphy each had two receptions.
 
The CSM defense played a near perfect first half. Here's how ARC faired on each of its six opportunities: sack by Gayer and fumble lost, leading to CSM TD; fumble caused by Gayer and recovered by Sinclair; interception by Sinclair leading to CSM field goal; punt leading to CSM TD; punt returned by Murphy for a CSM TD; pass interception by Flynn Williams to end the half.
 
It continued after the intermission. ARC was forced to punt on its first possession. That was followed by pass interceptions by Tyrice Ivy, Jr. and Sione Laulea (to end the third quarter). American River did not sustain a complete drive until six minutes into the final period.
 
Sinclair now has three interceptions this season, one shy of the state lead.
 
Watts out performs former Rocklin High Teammate: Watts had an interesting counterpart in American River quarterback Kenneth Lueth. Both were signal callers at Rocklin High School and know each other well. Lueth completed 15 of 25 passes for 91 yards with two picks.
 
Bulldogs host Butte next: CSM returns home Saturday (Oct. 1) to complete non-league play at 1 p.m. against a top-10 foe in Butte College (3-1), ranked No. 8 in the state last week and an impressive 49-14 winner at Modesto JC over the weekend.