SRJC stays undefeated, beats COS 28-3

Christian McAlvain threw for three touchdowns and the Santa Rosa JC defense allowed only a field goal as the Bear Cubs remained undefeated with a 28-3 victory Saturday night over College of the Sequoias at Bailey Field.

SRJC, now 5-0, was already ranked No. 3 in Northern California and No. 4 in the state.

McAlvain, who played high school ball at Windsor, led the Bear Cubs to their first three scores. In the second quarter, he connected with Terrence Drew from 7 yards out. Then, in the third, he went long and found Khirhy Hayes for 66 yards before hooking up with Drew again from the 8-yard line.

McAlvain didn’t have an interception or fumble. The sophomore, who was named Northern California Football Conference offensive player of the week in late September, threw for nearly 300 yards against Sequoias.

Kenny Carter accounted for the final score, an 8-yard run in the fourth period.

Meanwhile, the defense held Sequoias scoreless until the final minutes when the visitors converted a 44-yard field goal.

“The defense was outstanding all night,” coach Lenny Wagner said. “Sequoias has a strong running game and we kept them under control.

“We were really getting after it, especially Will Wowkanyn. He was all over the place.”

Also playing well were Nick Kristofors, Matt Hunn (Rancho Cotate) and Drew Jackson.

The Bear Cubs were missing six front-line players due to injuries.

“We had backup players step up big time,” Wagner said. “Two guys that did a great job were Natu Hezchias (Piner) and Joe Cackau.”

Santa Rosa has a bye next weekend and will begin conference play Oct. 18 at San Mateo.

Is Wagner surprised his team is undefeated going into the conference portion of the schedule?

“I knew we had a lot of talent,” Wagner said. “I think a key has been that we’ve stayed relatively healthy, especially compared to last year.”

In 2013, the Bear Cubs lost around 20 players to season-ending injuries.