Special teams, defense shine in 23-0 San Mateo shutout win over Reedley

SAN MATEO – On a day when the College of San Mateo offense had trouble finding the end zone, the special teams unit came through big for the win.

Kicker Dieter Kelly connected on field goals of 48, 35, and 35 yards while Trevon Watson broke free for a 91-yard kickoff return to help lead the No. 2 state-ranked Bulldogs to a 23-0 non-league win over visiting Reedley College on Saturday at College Heights Stadium.

San Mateo, now 2-0 overall, will likely take over the state's top ranking after current No. 1 and defending state champion Riverside City College was upset by Golden West College in Southern California on Saturday by a final score of 37-36.

While the Bulldogs' offense totaled just 249 yards of offense, the defense did its part by limiting Reedley (0-2) to 139 yards of total offense, including only eight yards rushing. The defense totaled five sacks in the game, getting one each from Andrew Buck, Ezra Funa, Odera Okaka, Pita Vi, and John Gayer.

Kelly was a perfect 5 for 5 on kicks in the contest as he nailed all three of his field goal attempts and a pair of extra points tries. His 48-yarder at the 8:55 mark in the first was a new season-long.

Jeremiah Hill scored the Bulldogs' lone offensive touchdown, running in from eight yards out to extend the CSM lead to 10-0 with 13:36 to play in the second.

Kelly booted the first of two 35-yard kicks with just five seconds left before halftime to send the Bulldogs into the break with a 13-0 advantage.

Watson excited the crowd and made it a 20-point lead when he took the second-half opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. Kelly closed the scoring with his final 35-yard field goal with 13:14 to go in the third.

CSM will look to keep the momentum going next Saturday (Sep. 21) when the Bulldogs travel to Modesto Junior College for a 1 p.m. non-league game.