California Seals the Deal Against Wake Forest for First Win in ACC Play (11-8-24)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: Arturo Jones-LMS Network 

On Friday evening, the California Golden Bears traveled to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC to play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Both teams sit at 4-4 with the hopes of earning their fifth victory to keep their bowl-eligible chances alive. Also, the Golden Bears are seeking that elusive first victory in the ACC.

On the opening drive for California, they were able to move the ball down the field and connect on a 20-yard field goal by Derek Morris for the 3-0 lead. During the ensuing kickoff, California’s Hunter Barth forced a fumble which was recovered by Miles Williams and returned 15 yards for the touchdown. After two quick scores from the Golden Bears, Wake Forest’s offense finally took the field. The Demon Deacons would go down the field on their first offensive possession, and come away with a touchdown after a 1-yard run by Demond Claiborne to cut the lead to 10-7. California managed to put another touchdown and field goal on the board to make the score 20-7. However, a flea flicker from Hank Bachmeier to Demond Claiborne resulted in a 44-yard TD reception. California took no time to answer back with a touchdown of their own after a 2-yard connection from Fernando Mendoza to Tobias Merriweather. The Golden Bears added three more points to their score after a 54-yard field goal by Ryan Coe as the clock expired heading into halftime with the score being 29-14.

As the Demon Deacons were moving the ball down the field on the first possession of the second half, it ended with an interception by Nohl Williams. California didn’t capitalize off of their takeaway as they punted the back to Wake Forest. On this possession, Hank Bachmeier connected with Donavon Greene for a 45-yard TD reception. The momentum would swing back in the favor of Cal after they blocked a field goal attempt by Wake Forest. The Golden Bears score another touchdown after a 5-yard run by Mendoza. The Demon Deacons would answer back with a 4-yard TD run by Bachmeier to keep the game at a one-possession game. California’s Ryan Coe would kick another 54-yard field goal to put the game back to a two-possession game. Wake Forest’s Tate Carney adds another touchdown for the Demon Deacons to bring the score to 39-36. The defense of the Golden Bears would get a much-needed takeaway after an interception by Liam Johnson. Cal’s Jaivian Thomas runs 11 yards for the touchdown and pushes their lead to 46-36. On the ensuing possession, the Golden Bears’ Craig Woodson would get the game-sealing interception to give them the win and their first ACC victory of the season.

California’s next game is November 16th against Syracuse at home and Wake Forest’s next game is the same day on the road against North Carolina.