Turnovers prove costly as Dons fall to Renegades

The Santa Ana Dons struggled against the Bakersfield Renegades, losing the season opener 28-14 on Saturday night.

The Dons’ offense seemed stagnant, allowing four sacks, while losing two fumbles and throwing two interceptions.

“Turnovers are killers,” said head coach Simon Fuentes. “They stop drives, and in this division, they give good teams like Bakersfield the chance to seal the deal, which they did.”

Sophomore quarterback Nate Bento was heavily pressured and anxious to get out of the pocket, resulting in more rushing attempts than he had pass completions. Bento finished the game with 115 rushing yards, 216 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Nate Bento returns as quarterback after throwing for 1,064 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Brandon Rowley / el Don

“[Interceptions] are just small, mental mistakes. We just gotta get better at the little things,” said Bento. “I have to make the correct reads. I didn’t play very great today. I just need to find the open guy and try to stay in the pocket.”

Bakersfield had fewer passing yards, rushing yards and time of possession, but were able to control this game due to taking no sacks and not turning the ball over.

The Renagades opened up the scoring in the first quarter with a rushing touchdown before the Dons responded with a passing touchdown to Nathan Meek on the next drive. Two second-quarter field goals would put the Renagades up 13-7 at halftime.

Bakersfield running back Ian Jernigan rushed for 50 yards. Brandon Rowley / el Don

The Dons would take the lead for the first time in the third quarter after Nate Bento launched a deep ball into the endzone, caught by Deacon Moss to take a 14-13 lead. Unfortunately, that was the last time the Dons would score, with their next four drives resulting in turnovers.

Santa Ana’s defense held Bakersfield to only 103 yards passing; however, they couldn’t stop the run, allowing 214 yards on the ground.

“We have to get these young guys coached up a little bit,” said defensive line coach James Gugliemana. “They’re learning they have great abilities and great upside, we just have to get them better, and that’s my job.”

Defensive back Richard Gooden caught two interceptions with 102 return yards. Brandon Rowley / el Don

Santa Ana will go on the road next week to face off against Chaffey, before coming back home on Sep. 13 to play East Los Angeles.

“There’s only one way to go, and that’s up the character of this team,” said Coach Fuentes. “We’re only gonna get better. So I’m excited. I’m excited for our players and for the future of this

team.”