LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Santa Ana College Football came back from an early deficit to secure its first win of the 2024 season as they defeated Los Angeles Southwest College (1-1) by a score of 28-19 on Saturday night. 

For the second consecutive game, the Dons (1-1) failed to score in the first quarter and found themselves down 13-0. But they would eventually find their way into the endzone as freshman quarterback Nate Bento led his team down the field and then connected with freshman wideout Jayderick Garcia for a 12-yard pitch and catch to put the Dons on the board at the start of the second quarter.

After a stop by the Don defense, sophomore running back Owen Smith punched in a touchdown after four straight rushes to finish a 77 yard, 14 play drive to give SAC a 14-13 lead, which they kept going into halftime. 

Although both defenses made some adjustments and got a couple stops each out of the break, SAC still had the advantage as their special teams came up big. 

Freshman defensive back Joey Fox recovered a ball that was blocked by Zamir Richardson and ran it back for an 80-yard touchdown return, giving the Dons a 21-13 lead. 

The Cougars would answer back on the very next drive, cutting that lead to two after a failed two point conversion with 27 seconds of the clock in the third.

In the fourth quarter, Santa Ana leaned on their defense that came up with two turnovers while the offense controlled the clock with a touchdown drive that lasted over eight minutes. 

The Dons did just enough to come out with the victory, giving them a 1-1 record before going home. 

Nate Bento had a clean game under center, finishing with 141 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 59. 

Sophomore running back William Saucedo ran for 83 yards and caught a touchdown while fellow sophomore Smith picked up 40 yards and a score himself. 

Sophomore defensive back Jake Bento led the Dons in tackles with 10 on the night while freshman Jesse Vargas added six and an interception. 

In addition to his blocked kick return, Fox came up with an interception and two pass breakups to be a difference maker for SAC.

The Dons will now prepare to host the Glendale College Vaqueros (1-0) on Saturday for week three of the season. GC is coming off a 37-13 win over Victor Valley in their home opener. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.