CSM named top seed for Northern California Playoffs, hosts American River in semifinals on Saturday

As expected, College of San Mateo (9-1) received the No. 1 seed from the 3C2A for the Northern California Regional Playoffs that get underway on Saturday (Nov. 30). The Bulldogs will host No. 4-seeded American River College (7-3) in the regional semifinals, with kickoff scheduled for 12:05 p.m. at College Heights Stadium in San Mateo.

In the other semifinal, No. 2 Modesto Junior College (8-2) hosts No. 3 Fresno City College (8-2) at 1 p.m.

Ticket prices for the 3C2A postseason game at CSM are $12 for general admission and $8 for all identified students, faculty, staff, senior citizens age 60 and over, and children under 12 years old. Tickets are available online at the CSM Athletics website. | TICKETS

ABOUT THE BULLDOGS
San Mateo recently wrapped up its third straight Bay 6 League championship after going a perfect 5-0. It was the seventh Bay 6 title over the past eight seasons under head coach Tim Tulloch. The Bulldogs closed out the regular season with a 9-1 overall record, with the lone loss coming in Week 3 to Modesto (23-20).

While points were tough to come by early in the season, the Bulldogs' offense has hit its stride as of late. San Mateo is coming off a 52-7 victory at Laney in the regular-season finale. CSM is averaging 53 points over its last three games. Over that span, the Bulldogs have outscored its opponents 164-21.

Since taking over the starting job at quarterback, Dominic Ingrassia has helped lead the resurgent offense. He's tossed 10 touchdowns and thrown for 788 yards over his past four games.

Lolo Mataele leads the Bay 6 in rushing with 943 yards on 156 carries and is averaging 94.3 yards per game. His 15 rushing touchdowns is also tops in the league.

Defensively, John Gayer has been a standout all season for the Bulldogs. He's totaled 42 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and has forced 4 fumbles.

San Mateo is averaging 345.0 yards and 34.1 points per game this season while the defense is averaging 230.8 yards and just 11.9 points allowed.

For more information on the Bulldogs, check out our ROSTER and COACHING STAFF, updated with our SCHEDULE, game results, STATS, and check out the College of San Mateo athletics WEBSITE and follow the Bulldogs on SOCIAL MEDIA. Learn more about our esteemed BOARD OF TRUSTEES at San Mateo County Community College District.

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVER
American River wrapped up its third straight league title with a 48-21 win over Feather River in its regular-season finale. The Beavers went 5-0 in the NorCal League and enter the playoffs with a 7-3 overall record.

ARC is averaging 362.4 yards and 31.2 points per game this season. The Beavers' defense is averaging 318.0 yards and 23.2 points allowed per game. Running back Elias Brown has rushed for 1,042 yards and 15 touchdowns over nine games this season. He's averaging 115.8 yards rushing per game.

The Beavers are led by head coach Jon Osterhout.

View American River's ROSTER, COACHING STAFF, 2024 SCHEDULE, and STATS.

CSM VS. AMERICAN RIVER HISTORY
The Bulldogs and Beavers will meet for the second time this season. San Mateo was a 17-14 winner over American River at home in Week 4. Dieter Kelly's 51-yard field goal in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winner.

CSM has won the last four meetings between the two programs. Last year, the Bulldogs went 2-0 against ARC, including a 30-27 victory in the Northern California Championship final.

2024: CSM 17, ARC 14
2023: CSM 24, ARC 23 (Regular Season)
2023: CSM 30, ARC 27 (NCFC Final)
2019: CSM 42, ARC 10
2018: ARC 18, CSM 13
2017: ARC 21, CSM 20 (Regular Season)
2017: CSM 24, ARC 21 (NCFC Final)
2016: ARC 40, CSM 13
2015: CSM 42, ARC 10
2014: ARC 24, CSM 14

UP NEXT
The winner of today's contest will advance to the NCFC Championship on Dec. 7. The 3C2A State Championship is set for Dec. 14 and will be hosted by the Northern California champion.