COALINGA – In what has become a recurring theme of the 2022 season for West Hills College Coalinga, the Falcons scored the game's final 19 points, including what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 1:21 remaining, to defeat visiting San Jose City College by a final score of 40-35 on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Four of the Falcons' five victories this season have came by way of fourth-quarter rallies. West Hills improved to 5-3 overall but more importantly, remains perfect in the Golden Coast League at 4-0.

The victory sets up a likely Golden Coast League championship game as the Falcons will play at Merced College (7-1, 5-0 GCL) in a battle for first place next Saturday (Nov. 12) at 1 p.m.

West Hills opened the contest to a 14-7 first-quarter lead after Vondarious Gordon scored the first of two touchdowns in the game at the 9:27 mark and Jaice Holt connected with DeQuan Green for a 21-yard TD reception.

Late in the second quarter, Holt tossed a 26-yard touchdown strike to Ashton Goll to extend the West Hills lead with 3:24 left and at send the Falcons into halftime with a 21-14 advantage.

But San Jose City (4-5, 2-3 GCL) opened the third quarter by scoring 21 unanswered points to go back out in front 35-21.

West Hills broke the string thanks to a big 66-yard touchdown from Holt to Dagostino Saintal at the 7:41 mark in the third to cut the San Jose lead to 35-27.

The Falcons' defense came up big in the fourth quarter, helping lead to the comeback victory. On the Jaguars opening drive of the fourth, Juan Donoso forced a fumble from running back Coley Smith that was recovered by Manchez Roberson in West Hills territory.

Gordon opened the ensuing drive with a 38-yard run and five plays later, scored from nine-yards out. With 11:17 left in the contest, the Falcons elected to go for the PAT kick, which was good by Sam Michotte to get West Hills within one point at 35-34.

The defense forced punts after three plays on San Jose's next two drives. And with 5:56 to play, Holt drove the Falcons 75 yards over the next eight plays for the go-ahead score. He connected with Saintal for a 20-yard touchdown with 1:21 remaining. West Hills couldn't convert a two-point try and held a 40-35 lead setting up the defense for one final stand.

San Jose opened its last drive of the game from its own 26 and advanced all the way to the West Hills 37-yard line. But with no time remaining, Jared Julian's pass was intercepted by Julius German in the end zone to end the contest and secure the Falcons' victory.

West Hills totaled 507 yards of offense, including 387 yards passing by Holt. He finished 27 for 38 with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. Gordon had another impressive game with 25 carries for 151 yards and 2 TDs. His game total pushed him over 1,000 yards rushing on the season.

Saintal hauled in 8 receptions for 151 yards and 2 touchdowns while Green had 11 catches for 131 yards with a TD.

Rusty Finona had a team-high 7 tackles on defense and recovered a pair of fumbles. Donoso totaled 5 tackles and forced two fumbles.