No. 2 Bulldogs hold off Sierra in season opener

ROCKLIN – No. 2 state-ranked College of San Mateo received an early test at No. 21 Sierra College on Saturday. But the defending Northern California champion Bulldogs didn't break and held on for a 27-26 victory in both teams' season opener at Buzz Ostrom Stadium.

Sophomore running back Lolo Mataele had a break out game for the Bulldogs, scoring three touchdowns while rushing for 113 yards in helping lead CSM to the win.

His third TD of the contest, a 5-yard run with 10:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, gave San Mateo a 27-13 lead over the Wolverines.

But over the final period, Sierra put together a pair of long scoring drives to get back into the game. Quarterback Maddox Varela and Dontae Robinson connected for a pair of receiving touchdowns, Varella's 37-yard pass to Robinson with just 53 seconds remaining in contest, got Sierra within one point at 27-26.

The Wolverines elected to go for the win instead of kicking the potential game-tying extra point. The Bulldogs' defense held steady as Varela's two-point PAT pass was incomplete, securing the narrow San Mateo win.

John Gayer had a big game to lead the Bulldogs on defense. He totaled 10 tackles and had a game-high 3 sacks. Kyle Hall and Ezra Funa both had 6 tackles while Nate Abbott and Jeramiah Lewis each added sacks.

Back on the offensive side, CSM quarterback Conner Annicharico threw for 216 yards on 15 of 32 passes. His prime target was Hassan Mahasin as he hauled in 9 receptions for 130 yards.

Dieter Kelly knocked in a pair of field goals, hitting from 18 and 24 yards out.

San Mateo, now 1-0, is back in action next Saturday (Sep. 14) when the Bulldogs host Reedley College in their home opener. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. at CSM's College Heights Stadium.