Jake Retzlaff Breaks Single-Game Passing Record in Dominant Performance over MSJC

The Tigers played their season opener outside of Wheelock Stadium on Saturday night, but it sure felt like home as Riverside routed crosstown foe Mt. San Jacinto College Eagles, 59-36.

Sophomore quarterback Jake Retzlaff had one of the best debuts in RCC football history by going 33-for-50 with 529 yards and six touchdowns. It was a historical night as his passing yards total snapped the previous record held by 2019 National Champion quarterback Jacob Barlage '19 which stood at 463 yards. Furthermore, he finished with six touchdowns marking the largest total touchdowns in a RCC quarterback's debut.

J. Retzlaff, the reigning Region III Player of the Year, got off to a shaky start after not converting a fourth down pass just outside of the red zone, thus resulting in the Eagles scoring the first touchdown of the game on the ensuing possession. However, he quickly responded by capping a six play, 75 yards drive on the ensuing possession by connecting with sophomore wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff on a seven-yard touchdown.

J. Retzlaff went on to chuck five more touchdowns in crucial moments. His second touchdown dropped right into sophomore wide receiver Juwan Tucker's breadbasket on a 15-yard connection, backed by a 31-yard strike in the third quarter with freshman wide receiver Alfred Jordan on the other end.

Later in the third quarter, he linked up with freshman wide receiver Norion Espadron for a 65-yard touchdown, coated by a 10-yard touchdown to R. Retzlaff in the fourth quarter. He was on the move for his final touchdown as he rolled right after the pocket collapsed and located his target standing all alone in the middle of the end zone.

R. Retzlaff had the best game of his career by hauling in a career best 10 receptions for a career-high 194 yards and two touchdowns. Furthermore, his 42-yard reception was the second-longest grab of his career. He had to work for it as he outstretched for the pass on a streak pattern with a defender riding his back.

J. Retzlaff located 11 different receivers for at least one catch. Sophomore Roshawn Lacy finished with five grabs for 73 yards, while sophomore Devvin Gitchuway, Espadron and Tucker all had three grabs for a combined 117 yards.

The Tigers did not do too much damage on the ground as they were held to under 100 yards rushing, but they still managed to accumulate 673 yards of total offense. Sophomore Jacquez Jones was the lead back with nine carries for 42 yards.

Defensively, Riverside's efforts were highlighted by a 28-yard scoop-and-score touchdown after being stopped on a fourth down attempt the Tiger's previous drive. Sophomore defensive lineman Talib Salahuddin grabbed a loose ball and took in 28 yards to the house to put the Tigers up by 17 points early in the fourth quarter. Rom then on, it was all Riverside.

The defensive totaled three sacks for a loss of 16 yards with sophomore Reysean Gillmore clocking in the lone solo sack. Sophomore Tasi Laufau, sophomore Alex Navarro, sophomore Sive Logoleo and freshman Kyle Jordan each recorded a half of a sack. Jordan also recorded one of two quarterback hurries.

Sophomore linebacker Gage Summers lead the line backing core with four tackles with two going for a loss of yards. Freshman duo Isaac Garcia and Jesse Bradberry recorded four tackles as well.

Sophomore quarterback Budd Bernie dropped back for just two passes, but completed them both underlined by a 65-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Jordan Williams.

The kicking game was strong as sophomore Jacob Marroquin converted his lone field goal attempt at 21 yards. He also converted all eight point after attempts.