USD Toreros survive Western New Mexico's comeback bid in season opener

Senior WR Brandon White (#13) celebrates his 74-yard TD catch with teammates Reggie Bell (#3) & Stephen Hutchinson (#60).

TORERO STADIUM (09/06/2014) In his first collegiate start, sophomore Keith Williams completed 12 of 25 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns as the University of San Diego Toreros (1-0) held off a late rally to come away with a 23-17 season-opening win over the visiting Western New Mexico Mustangs (0-1).

Leading 23-3 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Toreros allowed 14 unanswered points that cut their lead to six.

After forcing a three-and-out with 3:36 left to play, the Mustangs drove to USD's 17-yard line threatening to score and take the lead, but the Torero defense came through with a huge stop on fourth down to escape with the victory.

"It wasn't pretty but any win is nice," said USD head coach Dale Lindsey. "We're happy with the win, but I don't think we played as well as we could have."

"We weren't consistent and we didn't do much in the second half either offensively or defensively. But we did just enough to win."

It didn't take long for Williams to record his first career touchdown pass. On just the third play from scrimmage, he hit senior receiver Brandon White for a 74-yarder. White had a big day hauling in five catches for 122 yards and that opening touchdown.

Fellow senior Reggie Bell was also on the receiving end of a long touchdown pass from Williams. The 61-yarder put gave the Toreros a 13-3 with 1:23 left in the half. Bell finished with five catches for 78 yards.

Playing his first game as a Torero, Cal transfer Jonah Hodges led the ground game with 127 yards and a touchdown. Williams was the second leading rusher after scampering for a total of 59 yards.

Next Saturday, September 13th, the Toreros travel to Jacksonville to kickoff Pioneer Football League play.

San Diego Football Scores 9/6

College

North Carolina 31, San Diego State 27
Los Angeles Valley 21, San Diego Mesa 16
Southwestern 35, Grossmont 6
Palomar 35, Citrus 28

Prep

#5 Cathedral Catholic 28, Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, CA) 21
#8 Ramona 7, Point Loma 6

Community

San Diego Thunder 44, Downey Apaches 26
Southeast Pirates 36, Valley Predators 14