Gordon scores five TDs to lead Falcons to come-back win over Hartnell

Vondarious Gordon
Vondarious Gordon

COALINGA – Sophomore running back Vondarious Gordon had a huge game, rushing for 233 yards while scoring five touchdowns to lead West Hills College Coalinga to a an impressive 35-26 come-from-behind win over visiting Hartnell College on Saturday.

The Falcons are getting hot at the right time. They improved to 2-0 in Golden Coast League play and evened up their overall record to 3-3.

Gordon put the Falcons' offense on his back as he ran the ball 26 times for 233 yards (9.0 yards per carry) and four touchdowns. He also hauled in a pair of receptions, including a 69-yard touchdown pass from Jaice Holt at the 14:11 mark in the fourth quarter that put the Falcons ahead for good.

Gordon ran for touchdowns of 65, 37, 1, and 20 yards. His 10 rushing touchdowns and 13 total TDs this season both rank second in the state.

West Hills was able to pull out the victory despite being outgained in most statistical categories. Hartnell totaled more offensive yards (510-436), first downs (25-18), and won time of possession (36:04-23:49). But the Falcons made big defensive plays towards the end of the contest when they needed it most.

Manchez Roberson and Rudy Valdez both came up with fourth-quarter interceptions to put an end to late Hartnell drives. Juan Donoso and Jeremiah Smith had 8 tackles each while Makeli LiHau posted 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. Julius German broke up 3 passes and had 7 tackles.

All three West Hills victories this season have come thanks to fourth-quarter rallies. The "comeback kids" return to action next Saturday (Oct. 22) when they travel to Cabrillo College for a 7 p.m. league game.