Lancaster, CA — Antelope Valley College Football battled back from an early deficit and mounted a late fourth-quarter rally, but the Marauders ultimately fell to the visiting San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines, 30-24, Saturday evening at AVC. The season-opening defeat marked AVC's first loss in its last three meetings with the Wolverines, dating back to last year's 33-28 season-opening victory and a 26-14 win over San Bernardino in the Western State Bowl Championship. After trailing 17-9 late in the second quarter, Antelope Valley found a spark just before halftime when quarterback Tyson Smith connected with Azim Bankhead on a 41-yard touchdown pass with seconds remaining. AVC completed a successful two-point conversion pass, sending the game into halftime tied at 17-17. Smith finished the night 25-of-53 passing for 280 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 17 rushing yards on 10 carries. Bankhead was one of the Marauders' top offensive performers, hauling in five receptions for 68 yards on the night. San Bernardino Valley regained control in the third quarter, scoring twice to take a 30-17 advantage heading into the final period. The Marauders, however, continued to fight. With just 18 seconds remaining, Smith found Darrell Stanley for a nine-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 30-24. Lucas Bailey converted the extra point, but AVC was unable to complete the comeback in the final seconds. Stanley finished with six receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, giving the Marauders a reliable target throughout the contest. AVC's ground game was led by Jaden Graham, who rushed 13 times for 34 yards. Felix Diaz and Isaiah Morgan each added 32 rushing yards, while Naim Bankhead scored the Marauders' first touchdown of the season on a three-yard run. Defensively, Jayden Carrillo led the Marauders with 11 total tackles, including nine solo stops, while also recording an interception. Darren Coleman and Mekhi Free each added five tackles, with Free contributing a tackle for loss. Antelope Valley finished with 393 total yards of offense, including 280 passing yards and 113 rushing yards. The Marauders also controlled the clock, holding a 47:59-41:53 advantage in time of possession. The Marauders will look to build on the strong offensive production and late-game fight as they continue their 2026 campaign on the road at West LA on Sept. 5 at 1 pm. (from https://gomarauders.avc.edu/sports/fball/2026-27/releases/20260830ovfyuw )