Tigers Win Second 3C2A State Championship in Four Years

Riverside City College capped off a historic season with its second 3C2A State Championship last fall, downing defending champion College of San Mateo 24-21 with a last-second field goal from Gabe Panikoski.

The Tigers, who were in their fourth-straight championship game, finished the year with a 12-1 mark, while the Bulldogs ended the season at 11-2.

It came down to the wire after CSM completed a 78-yard drive with just about two minutes left on the clock to tie the game.

The Tiger offense, led by Jordan Barton, took the field and moved into Bulldog territory as time was winding down. Barton scrapped his way to the six-yard line and RCC called a timeout with four seconds to go to set Panikoski up for the late game dramatics.

The sophomore kicker lined up his 23-yard attempt and sailed it through the uprights to send the crowd into an uproar celebrating the home team's championship.

Barton completed 22 of 31 passes for 201 yards, ran 18 times for 114 yards and scored two touchdowns (along with a passing touchdown), to earn game MVP honors. Bryce Strong rushed for 76 yards on 16 carries, scored a touchdown, and caught nine passes for 97 yards to gain Offensive Player of the Game recognition. Esaia Bogar earned the Bob Stangel Defensive Player of the Game was after posting eight tackles, including a 15-yard sack, and a quarterback hurry.

It was the ultimate revenge after the Bulldogs managed to shut out the Tigers in last year's championship.