Reedley Tigers Defend Home Turf with Commanding 21–7 Win Over San Jose

REEDLEY, CA — September 27, 2025 — The Reedley College Tigers extended their strong start to the 2025 season with a convincing 21–7 home win over San Jose City College on Saturday afternoon. Behind a composed performance from quarterback Jose Soriano and a smothering defense that dominated time of possession, the Tigers controlled the game from the second quarter on.

First Half: A Slow Start Turns into Reedley Momentum

After a scoreless first quarter marked by tough defense on both sides, the Tigers struck first early in the second quarter. On a methodical 10-play, 93-yard drive, Soriano found Tim Saunders on a 13-yard touchdown pass at 13:27 to open the scoring. Christian Haney added the extra point to put Reedley up 7–0.

San Jose's offense continued to sputter in the first half, going 0-for-6 on third down conversions and managing just 70 total yards by halftime. Quarterback Cedeno Chavez struggled with accuracy and pressure, completing only 6 of 20 passes in the opening two quarters.

Third Quarter: A Wild Swing and Quick Responses

San Jose's only score came in unconventional fashion. Just over five minutes into the third quarter, linebacker Walter "Bear" Watkins capitalized on a botched handoff deep in Reedley territory, recovering a fumble at the goal line for a touchdown. Jineen Laimon's extra point tied the game at 7–7 and briefly gave the Jaguars life.

But Reedley answered emphatically. On the very next drive, Soriano connected with wideout Jacob Saldate for a stunning 75-yard touchdown strike that silenced the San Jose sideline and reignited the home crowd. Haney's PAT made it 14–7.

Fourth Quarter: Tigers Seal the Game

Reedley chewed up over 11 minutes of game clock in the fourth quarter with a punishing 12-play, 62-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Soriano to Hunter Babb with 2:39 left to play. The third touchdown pass of the day for Soriano capped off a dominant offensive performance and made it 21–7 — a lead San Jose never threatened.

Stat Leaders

• Jose Soriano (Reedley): 16-of-26, 269 yards, 3 TDs

• Jacob Saldate (Reedley): 1 reception, 75 yards, 1 TD

• Hunter Babb (Reedley): 11 rushes for 58 yards, 1 receiving TD

• Cedeno Chavez (San Jose): 16-of-40, 101 yards, 2 INTs; 14 carries for 53 yards

• Walter "Bear" Watkins (San Jose): 1 fumble recovery for TD, 2 tackles, 2 pass breakups

By the Numbers

• Time of Possession: Reedley 40:40 | San Jose 17:50

• Total Yards: Reedley 424 | San Jose 219

• Turnovers: San Jose 2 | Reedley 0

• Third Down Efficiency: Reedley 5-of-13 | San Jose 6-of-18

Despite San Jose forcing a key turnover and matching up physically in the trenches early, the Tigers' efficiency on offense and their ability to control the clock ultimately made the difference. Reedley's defense, led by Melchisedek Adomako Mintah (2 sacks, 2 TFLs), disrupted San Jose's rhythm all afternoon.

Looking Ahead

With the win, Reedley improves their record to 2-3 in the Northern California conference and continues building momentum behind a veteran quarterback and a deep rotation of skill players. They are on BYE week and then go on the road vs. Monterey Peninsula College on Oct 11th and Oct 18th vs. Modesto JC.