Bryant Piles Up 237 Yards in Golden West’s Victory

Golden West College Coach Ray Shackleford’s strategy is simple when it comes to running back Blaise Bryant:

“He’s a great back and if you have the ball then you have to get it to him. You’re stupid if you don’t.”

Bryant carried 41 of the 43 times Golden West ran the ball Saturday and gained 237 yards as the Rustlers defeated Palomar, 25-18, in a Mission Conference game in front of 500 at San Marcos High School.

The sophomore also scored 2 touchdowns, including the game-winner--a 21-yard run with 4:52 left to play.

Bryant rushed for 277 yards last week when Golden West tied El Camino, 31-31. He has rushed for 829 yards at the halfway point in the season.

Golden West (3-1-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the Mission Conference) built a 16-10 lead in the first half only to have its punting game give it away in the third quarter.

Punter Troy Rossean hit one off the side of his foot for 15 yards and Palomar (1-4, 0-3) had a first down on the Golden West 48. Four plays later, a 12-yard pass from Duffy Daugherty to Mike Jones tied the score at 16 with 10:45 left in the third quarter. Roan White’s extra-point kick missed to the right.

Golden West could do nothing on three plays after the score, but then suffered another punting breakdown. This time, Rossean’s punt was blocked by Chance Portillo and Rossean recovered it in the end zone for a safety that gave Palomar an 18-16 lead.

Rossean later redeemed himself with a 39-yard punt that pinned Palomar on its 1 with 7 minutes left. On the second play, the center of the Golden West line trapped running back Mark King in the end zone for a safety and an 18-18 tie.

Golden West took the free kick and started its winning drive on the Palomar 47 with 5:30 left. Bryant gained 5, 4 and 1 yard before sliding off tackle and breaking down the sideline 21 yards for the score.