Lancaster, CA — Antelope Valley College Football improved to 5-1 overall, and 2-0 in Metro League play Saturday night, defeating Victor Valley College 39-29 in its Homecoming game at Marauder Stadium. The win marked the Marauders' fifth consecutive victory since the season opener. After Victor Valley opened the scoring, AVC answered with a 14-play, 90-yard drive that ended with a 1-yard touchdown run by Felix Diaz to even the game 7-7 late in the first quarter. The Marauders took control in the second, beginning with a 25-yard field goal by Lucas Bailey to take a 10-7 lead. Quarterback Tyson Smith connected with Azim Bankhead for an 11-yard touchdown later in the quarter, extending the lead to 17-7. AVC's defense then delivered one of the game's biggest plays when Shakir Freeman blocked a Victor Valley field goal attempt, recovered the ball, and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown with just 14 seconds remaining before halftime. Bailey's extra point gave the Marauders a 23-9 lead at the break. AVC maintained its momentum in the third quarter. Diaz scored his second one-yard rushing touchdown of the night to open the half, and Smith followed with a 42-yard touchdown pass to Chris Conley. Bailey added a 26-yard field goal later in the quarter, helping the Marauders build a 39-21 advantage heading into the fourth. Victor Valley added a late touchdown, but AVC's defense fended off any comeback hopes from the Rams. Smith completed 19 of 29 passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. Diaz led the rushing attack with 45 yards on 13 carries and 2 touchdowns, while Isaiah Morgan added 40 yards on 9 attempts and Naim Bankhead contributed 39 yards on 7 carries. Through the air, Shawn Irwin led the Marauders with 6 receptions for 99 yards. Azim Bankhead caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, while Conley's 42-yard scoring reception was his first of the season. Lucas Bailey finished with two field goals from 25 and 26 yards and converted three extra points. Defensively, the Marauders recorded three sacks and seven tackles for loss. Shakir Freeman finished with two sacks and two tackles for loss, plus the blocked-field-goal TD return that provided a pivotal defensive score. Simeon Smith led AVC with seven total tackles, while Jacob Fraser added a sack. Nick Lavizzo recorded 6 tackles and two pass breakups. Fraser, Zyier Lane, Jayden Carrillo, and Jacoby Beene finished with 4 tackles each. The Marauders finished with 406 yards of total offense, converted 8 of 15 third-down opportunities, and controlled possession for 34:32. NEXT UP: The Marauders will host LA Southwest College on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 6:00 PM. (from https://gomarauders.avc.edu/sports/fball/2026-27/releases/202610120ccowp)