HUNTINGTON BEACH—The Bakersfield College Football team lost its season opener to Golden West, 48-23, on Saturday afternoon.

The visiting Renegades fell behind early and never recovered in falling to Rustlers for a sixth straight time. BC beat Golden West on the field two years ago but later had to forfeit the game.  

Making his college debut, Renegades starting quarterback Carson Woods completed 21 of 27 passes for 152 yards and had one touchdown and one interception.

Down 31-0, the Liberty High product got BC on the scoreboard late in the first half, connecting with Mekhi Smith for an 8-yard TD pass.

The Renegades' other two touchdowns also came through the air as Joseph Campbell, who subbed in at quarterback for Woods in the fourth quarter, hooked up twice late in the game for touchdown passes to Xavier Marshall.

With 5:32 left in the game Campbell found a wide-open Marshall for a 64-yard TD. Five minutes later Campbell threw a jump ball toward the back of the end zone that Marshall, showing great athleticism, jumped up high and outwrestled a defender for, while adeptly keeping his feet inbounds.

Campbell, BC's starter last season, finished 7 of 9 for 114 yards and had one interception to go along with his two touchdown passes.

No. 6 ranked Rustlers held the Renegades ground attack to five net rushing yards on 32 attempts.

Despite struggling to run the ball BC controlled the clock, winning the time of possession battle by 11 minutes and 32 seconds. 

The Renegades tallied 18 first downs, just three fewer than Golden West. However, four Golden West first half touchdowns and a Rustlers pick-six with 6:48 left in the third quarter put BC in a 38-10 hole that was simply too big to overcome.

The Renegades will be back in action on this coming Saturday when they play their home opener against Long Beach City College.  The game is slated to kickoff at 6 p.m.