No. 11 California (Pa.) edges past Hillsdale in season opener

Box Score

CALIFORNIA, Pa. — Senior defensive back Rontez Miles broke up a potential touchdown as time expired on Thursday night to help lift No. 11 California (Pa.) to a 30-20 victory against No. 17 Hillsdale at Adamson Stadium.

The win was the first victory under head coach Mike Kellar and marked the Vulcans first home victory in a season-opener since 2008. Meanwhile, the defending GLIAC champions fall to 0-1.

Senior quarterback Peter Lalich passed for 275 yards and four touchdowns on Thursday. He completed 24-of-31 attempts with one interception, which came off a tipped pass. Last year, Lalich set the single-season school passing record with 3,725 yards and also tossed 31 touchdowns.

Junior wide receivers Trey Johnson and Mike Williams both finished with two touchdowns against the Chargers. Williams posted 80 yards on a career-high six receptions, while Johnson set career highs with both six catches and 49 yards.

Miles paced the defensive effort with 11 tackles (six solo), two pass break-ups and one forced fumble. Sophomore defensive back Jeff Knox, Jr. registered nine stops (three solo), one pass break-up and one fumble recovery in his first career start.

The Vulcans return to action on Sept. 8 when they travel to face defending PSAC champion Kutztown.