SMC’s Championship Dreams Collapse at the Bowl Game
The Santa Monica College (SMC) Corsair football team’s dominant season ended in a crushing defeat, losing 38-23 to the Victor Valley Rams at the American Divisional Championship Bowl Game in Victorville, Calif., on Nov. 16.
SMC’s offense outscored its opponents 482-187 in 2025, and the defense allowed an average of 17 points per game. However, none of that mattered in the championship game.
“Momentum was on our side. Then they came back and scored that big touchdown, and the momentum just switched to them,” said SMC quarterback (QB) Dylan Moreno.
Corsairs led at the half and struck first in the third quarter to go up two possessions, putting the score at 17-7. But all momentum stalled after that, with the Rams scoring 28 unanswered points.
“We needed to settle down,” said Victor Valley’s head coach, David Slover. “Our competition hasn’t been as stiff as them. We had to step up from playing teams that were just above average compared to a talented Santa Monica.”
Victor Valley’s offense proved dominant through the air; QB Seth Burbine threw for 339 yards and four touchdowns, completing 30 of 38 passes. Rams running back Carlos Amployo carved through SMC’s defensive line, recording one touchdown and 103 yards on 10 attempts.
The Rams sacked Moreno twice, intercepted him once and held SMC’s offense to 356 total yards — 192 passing and 164 rushing.
“We just didn’t come together as a full offense and defense,” said Corsairs tight end Bryson Wood, who earned the player of the game award. “We kind of separated throughout the game.”
Multiple late errors from the Corsairs prevented momentum from building in the second half. Moreno scrambled and fought for every yard, but couldn’t connect with his receivers. SMC’s defense fell apart, with the Rams repeatedly exploiting holes in the defensive line and coverage.
As the clock wound down, SMC players brought their on-field frustration to the sidelines. But when the clock struck double zero and Victor Valley’s DJ put on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” some Corsair players wept.
“I told the guys they need to be proud,” said SMC head coach Kelly Ludwith. “It’s rare to have a season like this where they get to play that hard, that long, and play for a group of guys that’s as good as they had on this team.”
SMC fought until the end but ultimately stalled out in the divisional championship. They finished the season 8-3 and now need to fill the roles of transferring sophomores. With 2025 ending in defeat, the Corsairs look to the future to attain gold.