Yuba football team left without a bowl

Yuba College was left out of a California Community College Athletic Association bowl game after finishing 7-3 overall and 4-1 in the Bay Valley Conference this season.

"We can't complain," said Yuba College coach Ted Hoal. "What happened is a couple of 5-5 teams won their conference."

Namely Sacramento City College (5-5), which finished a tough Mid-Empire Conference schedule with a 3-1 record to edge American River and Feather River, both 6-4, for the conference title.

"So there were some teams, who, although they didn't win their conference, still had good enough records to earn an at-large bid," Hoal said. "Funny thing is, that happened to us about five years ago."

In 2004, Yuba went 5-5 overall, but still managed to win the Bay Valley Conference and earned an automatic bid to the Graffiti Bowl.

"Sure we're disappointed," Hoal said. "But we also understand how the system works."

Yuba College went on a four-game win streak to close out the '08 season, finishing second in the conference.

Just before the season began, Hoal believed the team was bringing one of the best defenses he had ever seen in his 15 years at the college to the field.

"This was a team that was supposed to be a veteran group with a defense ranked No. 1 in the country, but it ended up being a big chance for a few guys, and they took advantage of it," Hoal said.

Four starters — two defensive ends, a cornerback and a safety — became ineligible a week before opening day, and just a few weeks in, Hoal lost two starting linebackers to season-ending injuries.

"Several freshman filled in for those guys and we were still the third best defense in the state," Hoal said.

Notables who were thrown into the action immediately were Rony Nelson, Josh Hutchison — who took over for his brother Jeremy Hutchison — Shane Rosin and Devion Tate.

In just eight games, Nelson led the team with 48 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 19 tackles for losses — 12 of which were sacks.

Josh Hutchison was second on the team with 46 tackles, while Marvin Barnes recorded 41. Rosin added 38 tackles and seven sacks.

Tate, who perhaps had the most impressive individual season, recorded 31 tackles, eight interceptions — two of which were returned for touchdowns — two blocked kicks and a punt return for a touchdown.

Hoal credited the players, along with assistant coaches Tomas Rodriguez and Bob Miller for the defensive strength.

On offense, Yuba College running back Anthony White rushed for 833 yards and 11 TDs on 186 carries this season, while Fielding Uhland and Nathan Bell combined for more than 2,000 yards passing and 20 TDs. Bell threw 15 TDs and just five interceptions.

Lester Hundley hauled in 39 catches for 561 yards and six TDs, while White caught 31 passes for 450 yards and five TDs.

BVC champion Shasta (8-2) will face Monterey Peninsula (10-0) in the Bulldog Bowl Saturday at 1 p.m.