COALINGA – Sophomore quarterback Gem Boyd tossed 4 touchdown passes, including 3 TDs to sophomore wide receiver KJ Ford, to help lead West Hills College Coalinga to a 27-23 win over visiting Los Medanos College in its 2023 home opener at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

"We're back on the right side of things," said West Hills head coach Justin Berna referring to last week's loss at Foothill College. "It was a legit team win for us, a great game for us as a group."

The Falcons offense was clicking in the first half. Boyd, playing in place of injured starter Jett Garcia, had an impressive debut for West Hills. He completed 20 of 30 passes for 222 yards.

"Boyd had a good week of practice," said Berna. "We made sure he was in good position to play well and developed the game plan for it."

Trailing 23-20 in the fourth quarter, Boyd led the Falcons on a game-winning 8-play, 88-yard drive. With 8:42 remaining, he connected with running back Avian Pesina for the go-ahead touchdown.

Pesina had 3 catches for 36 yards on the touchdown but did even more damage on the ground, leading the Falcons with 113 yards on 19 carries.

Ford also had a big game, hauling 3 first-half touchdowns on 6 catches for 76 yards. Brandon Tryon hauled in 5 receptions for 57 yards.

But it was the defense that came through in the second half for the Falcons. After allowing 23 first-half points, West Hills kept Los Medanos off the board over the final 30 minutes and held steady to halt a potential final scoring drive.

"I think our defense wore them out," said Berna. "We made some key adjustments at the break and we were able to execute our plan better in the second half."

Berna pointed out the play of Maleik Bradford (7 tackles, 1 interception) and Rhys Watkins (5 tackles, 1 sack) in fueling the defense.

West Hills, now 1-1 overall, is back in action next Saturday (Sep. 16) when the Falcons make the long trip to Eureka to take on College of the Redwoods for a 1 p.m. game.