Riverside Finishes Regular Season Undefeated, Claims Ninth-Consecutive Conference Championship

The Riverside City College Tigers claimed their ninth-consecutive conference championship and the top seed in the Southern regional after dominating the Chaffey College Panthers, 49-14, in the regular season finale.

It is the second time in three years that the Tigers have gone undefeated in the regular season. The last time they accomplished this feat was in 2019, which lead to an undefeated National and State Championship.

It was predictable outcome for Riverside as they held the lead for the entire game by scoring on their first possession via a 70-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Bryce Strong. From then on, the Panthers were far in the rearview mirror.

Sophomore quarterback Jake Retzlaff had another incredible showing by going 23-for-30, his best completion percentage of the season, leading to 401 passing yards and five touchdowns. It is the fifth time this season he has thrown for over 400 yards in one game and the fourth time his has thrown five or more touchdown passes. He finished the regular season with 3,370 passing yards, 36 touchdown passes and a 172.2 efficiency rating.

J. Retzlaff's main weapon mimicked his previous week's performance by hauling in a whopping 10 catches for 172 yards and three touchdowns. It is the third time this season he has racked up double-digit receptions and the sixth time he has hauled in over 100 yards. He ended the season on a four-game streak that lead to over a bill through the air.

There were 11 players who had at least one carry with Strong leading the way on three totes leading to 74 yards and the lone rushing score. Freshman Norion Espadron, sophomore Roshawn Lacy and freshman Demarion Young were responsible for the other Tiger touchdowns.

The defense did not record a turnover, but they held Chaffey to a measly 215 total yards that saw just 97 yards through the air. Freshman defensive back duo Eupeterson Lewis and Quinn Sullivan recorded seven tackles each, while sophomore linebacker Arturo Orozco had six stops. Sullivan and Orozco each recorded a sack.

Riverside (10-0) will be named the top seed in the southern region and look to reach their third-consecutive California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championship game. They will likely face East Los Angeles or Ventura in the first Round of Southern Regional playoffs on Saturday, November 26.

Riverside is likely to host their games at neighboring San Bernardino Valley College, but confirmation on the location is still to be determined.