SAN JOSE, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2025) — San José City College stormed out to an early lead and never looked back, defeating Shasta College 39-19 in the season opener Saturday night at Jaguar Stadium.
The Jaguars (1-0) exploded for 22 first-quarter points, capitalizing on quick strikes and defensive takeaways to seize momentum. Shasta (0-1) struck first when Andrew Brown broke free for a 12-yard touchdown run just 11 seconds into the game. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving the Knights ahead 6-0.
San José responded immediately. Quarterback Cedeno Chavez connected with Anderson Riley for a 76-yard touchdown on the Jaguars’ first offensive play. Less than a minute later, Chavez added a 13-yard scoring strike to Nathaniel Garcia. Shamar Matthews capped the dominant opening frame by scooping up a fumble and returning it for a touchdown, with Antonio Lopez Escami converting a two-point rush to make it 22-6.
The Jaguars’ defense continued to set the tone in the second quarter. Reese Schuyler recovered another fumble and raced 30 yards for a score. Later, Joey Fussell Jr. extended the lead with a 17-yard touchdown run. San José led 36-6 before Brown punched in his second touchdown, a 1-yard plunge in the final minute of the half, trimming the deficit to 36-13.
San José totaled six sacks and 14 tackles for loss, harassing Shasta’s backfield throughout the night. Photo by Oscar Lopez.
The second half slowed considerably as both defenses stiffened. Shasta quarterback Jayden Crace capped a 69-yard drive with a 2-yard keeper early in the fourth quarter, but his two-point attempt was stopped. San José closed the scoring with Gabe Mederios’ 28-yard field goal midway through the final period.
Despite being outgained through the air, the Jaguars used a balanced offensive attack and relentless pressure on defense. Chavez completed 19 of 38 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Riley finished with five receptions for 95 yards, including the long first-quarter strike.
Fussell paced the ground game with 59 rushing yards on seven carries, while Garcia added 30 yards rushing and a touchdown reception.
Shasta leaned heavily on its passing game, as Crace threw for 261 yards but was intercepted once and sacked six times. Wideout Chance Tager proved a bright spot for the Knights, hauling in five catches for 154 yards, including a 41-yard gain.
The Jaguars’ defense was the difference, forcing seven fumbles and recovering three. Matthews and Schuyler both scored defensive touchdowns, while linebacker Nate Goldsbury recorded nine tackles, one sack, and an interception. San José totaled six sacks and 14 tackles for loss, harassing Shasta’s backfield throughout the night.
Shasta managed just 28 rushing yards on 40 attempts, averaging 0.7 yards per carry. Brown provided nearly all of the production with 57 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.
Penalties hampered both sides, with San José flagged 10 times for 75 yards and Shasta committing 18 infractions for 159 yards.
The game drew 878 fans under clear skies, with temperatures in the high 80s at kickoff.
San José will look to build on its strong opener next week, while Shasta will try to regroup after a costly night of turnovers and missed opportunities.
