TORRANCE, CA — In a thrilling clash that came down to the final seconds, the El Camino College Warriors defeated the Bakersfield College football team 27-26 in a hard-fought battle. A couple of missed extra-point opportunities from BC determined the outcome for the Renegades. 

The game started with El Camino asserting its dominance, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter. Bakersfield responded in the second quarter when quarterback Vincent Igoa threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to freshman Jacoby Pointer, bringing the score to 7-14. However, the Warriors extended their lead with a 2-yard touchdown pass, and a 30-yard field goal to lead to 24-7 before halftime.

As the second half began, BC began to find its rhythm. A lengthy 14-play, 85-yard drive ended in a 2-yard touchdown run by sophomore Jalen Hankins, cutting the deficit to 14-24. The momentum continued to shift, but neither team could find the end zone in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Warriors once again extended their lead bringing the score to 27-14. The Renegades were determined not to go down quietly. Freshman Malachi Statler, who stepped in as quarterback, orchestrated a touchdown drive that ended with a 6-yard pass to Pointer, reducing the gap to 20-27 after a failed extra point attempt.
With just 44 seconds remaining in the game, Bakersfield staged a dramatic final push. Statler connected with wide receiver Jalen Richmond for a 10-yard touchdown, but the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving them just one point shy at 26-27.

Despite the loss, Bakersfield dominated the stats, amassing 428 total yards compared to El Camino's 270. They also held a significant edge in first downs (25 to 17) and time of possession (35:53 to 24:03). However, costly penalties, turnovers, and missed extra points proved detrimental.

With the loss, the Renegades dropped to 3-2 and will take a much-needed break for their bye week. BC returns to Memorial Stadium the following week for homecoming on October 19th to take on Allan Hancock.