Sports
Cal Outlasts Mistakes, Scrappy UNLV Team to Secure 2nd Home Win
Story, photos contributed by Dan Rogers
A big-play offensive attack, and a late-game defensive stand were just enough to allow the Golden Bears to take down an improved UNLV squad, 20-14 at FTX Stadium in Berkeley.
Freshman Running Back Jaydn Ott showed the assembled crowd of 38,180 flashes of what may lie ahead, as Cal (2-0, 0-0) jumped ahead to an early lead, that the Rebels (1-1, 0-0) ultimately never overcame.
Ott capped the Bears first drive with a 2 yard dive, then followed that up by capping an 80-yard drive with a 12 yard reception from Bears QB Jack Plummer that saw Ott soar over a would be tackler as he crossed the goal line. That staked the Golden Bears to a 14-0 lead they were able to keep, despite several key mistakes in all 3 phases. including allowing a successful onside kick attempt just after UNLV had cut the lead 20-14.
The Bears were rescued late by their defense, which was finally able to turn up the heat on sophomore QB Doug Brumfield, leading to two sacks and a game-ending interception by Cal junior CB Isaiah Young on UNLV’s last possession.
With a successful defense of their first two home contests, next week will see the Bears take a major step up in competition, as they hit the road to play 8th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Game-time in South Bend is set for 11:30AM West Coast time. The Bears next home game will be in 2 weeks against Arizona.
Stockton’s Gabriel Flores Jr. has his eyes on a very big prize, and Thursday evening provided an opportunity to solidify his current standing in the lightweight ranks while chasing the dream of a world title.
Flores Jr. Ranked #3 in the world in the lightweight division by the WBO, improved to 27-2-0, to put his stamp on a claim to fight for a world championship bout by dominating Christian Villalba Arriola(15-1-2) via unanimous decision as the main event of a five-fight card at Chicken Ranch Casino in Jamestown. If they call on me, that’s my next fight, immediately.”
Taking Arriola’s undefeated record was not easy. “Nobody wants to lose. For sure it’s harder to beat someone when they’re undefeated.”
Flores used his jab and quickness to keep Arriola at a safe distance while also bruising his opponent with power shots that never really allowed Arriola to sustain any rallies against Flores Jr. Now Flores turns his eyes to a possible match with current #1 WBO lightweight contender Sam Noakes from the UK.
“I’m definitely prepared and ready. Ready to bite down,” Flores Jr. said.
With last night’s performance, Flores Jr. has made his claim to the throne. His next fight may just be for all the marbles. Another boxing success story from the 209.
On the undercard, several local boxers acquitted themselves well in the ring.
Welterweight Saul Osario from Turlock made his debut a successful one by winning a 4-round majority decision over Anthony Broadway that one judge scored as a draw.
Tracy’s Cesar Olvera made his pro debut and dominated late-replacement Jaycee King in the lightweight division, getting a 3rdround TKO.
A scary moment during the card was during the fight between Fresno’s Osmel Avila and Henry Mendez. Mendez took a lot of punishment and could not answer the bell in the 4th round. Upon examination by the ring doctor, Mendez was thought to have a possible spinal injury, which necessitated he be placed in a neck brace and stretchered out of the ring as a precaution.
Also on the card, Fresno’s Keon Merlo took a unanimous 4-round decision over Ebert diaz in a lightweight bout.
Story, photos by Dan Rogers
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