HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — September 13, 2025 — For the second year in a row, the Golden West Rustlers proved they are more than capable of knocking off one of California’s top-ranked programs. In a back-and-forth showdown at Rustler Stadium, No. 7 Golden West College upset No. 2 Riverside City College, 42-35, in a game that featured explosive plays, dramatic momentum swings, and a nail-biting finish.
A Rocky Start, Then a Second-Quarter Surge
Early on, it looked like Riverside was ready to impose its will. The Tigers jumped out to a 21-7 lead in the second quarter, flexing their offensive firepower and forcing Golden West to play from behind. But the Rustlers responded in emphatic fashion.
Behind a trio of rushing touchdowns — Aaron Mitchell (2 yards), Noa Banua (17 yards), and Kendric Thompson (6 yards) — Golden West rattled off 21 unanswered points before halftime. Suddenly, what looked like a comfortable Riverside lead turned into a 21-21 tie at the break, with the momentum firmly in Golden West’s favor.
Rustlers Take Control in the Third
The Rustlers carried their momentum into the second half and put on a clinic in the third quarter. Banua, who showcased his dual-threat abilities all afternoon, took to the air and delivered a pair of touchdown strikes.
He first found Will McKissick for a 5-yard score, then connected with Tanner Schmidt on an 18-yard touchdown. Those two drives gave Golden West a 35-21 lead, silencing the Riverside sideline and energizing the Huntington Beach crowd.
Riverside’s Late Rally Falls Short
As expected from a powerhouse like Riverside, the Tigers weren’t going down quietly. In the fourth quarter, RCC clawed back with two touchdowns, including a strike that cut the deficit to just seven points with 2:06 left to play.
The Tigers even got the ball back one last time with 28 seconds remaining, threatening to force overtime. But the Golden West defense — which had bent but never broke — delivered in the clutch, halting the final drive at their own 37-yard line as the clock expired.
By the Numbers
It was an even battle statistically, with Golden West racking up 467 yards of total offense compared to Riverside’s 456 yards. The difference came in execution during key moments.
- Noa Banua: 20-of-32 passing, 229 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs; 11 carries for 59 yards and a rushing TD.
- Aaron Mitchell: 8 carries, 72 yards, 1 TD.
- Kendric Thompson: 14 carries, 69 yards, 1 TD.
- Tanner Schmidt: 5 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD.
- Will McKissick: 7 catches, 83 yards, 1 TD.
- JC Alicea: 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD.
Defensively, the Rustlers had multiple standouts:
- Brandon Soleau: 12 tackles, 1 forced fumble.
- Kruz Wheeler: 6 tackles, 1 sack, a 41-yard fumble recovery, and 1 pass breakup.
What’s Next
The win improves Golden West to 2-0 on the young season and gives them two consecutive victories over a Riverside program that has consistently been among the state’s elite. The Rustlers now prepare for a non-league home matchup against Allan Hancock College on Saturday, September 13, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
Riverside, meanwhile, will regroup after suffering another setback at the hands of Golden West, but the Tigers remain one of the most talented squads in California and will be eager to bounce back quickly.
A Statement Win
For Golden West, Saturday’s victory wasn’t just about moving to 2-0 — it was about sending a message. With their blend of offensive explosiveness, resilience, and defensive grit, the Rustlers showed they can hang with — and beat — anyone.
For now, the Huntington Beach faithful can celebrate another program-defining win as Golden West continues to build momentum toward what could be a special season.
Final Score: Golden West 42, Riverside City College 35
About the Author
