California Claims Last-Minute Victory Over Boston College

Berkeley, September 28, 2025

News Summary

In a thrilling matchup, California edged past Boston College with a 28-24 victory. The game was defined by late-game heroics, including a 51-yard touchdown pass and an interception in the end zone, sealing California’s success. Despite a strong start by Boston College, which led 14-0, California fought back to take control in the final moments. The match highlighted critical turnovers and individual performances, notably from quarterbacks Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and Dylan Lonergan, showcasing the intensity of college football.

Berkeley — California secured a 28-24 victory over Boston College on Saturday with a 51-yard touchdown pass late in the game and a final interception that sealed the win.

Game-ending plays decided outcome

The decisive scoring drive came with 1:30 remaining when Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Mason Mini with 1:30 remaining in the game, putting California ahead. With 15 seconds left, Luke Ferrelli intercepted a pass in the end zone with 15 seconds left, securing the victory for California. Those two plays produced the final swing that determined the 28-24 result.

Key moments and scoring summary

The game featured several momentum shifts. The Eagles took a 14-0 lead early in the game but allowed California to recover. Boston College pulled ahead early in the fourth quarter on a long run when Turbo Richard scored a go-ahead touchdown for BC on a 71-yard run early in the fourth quarter. Later in the closing minutes, California responded with the long touchdown pass to Mason Mini and then held on after the interception by Ferrelli.

Critical turnovers and missed opportunities

Boston College experienced late-game miscues. Reed Harris of BC dropped a potential go-ahead touchdown in the end zone after a drive brought BC to California’s 5-yard line, a play that kept the outcome in doubt. California also benefited from a turnover earlier when Hezekiah Masses of California intercepted Lonergan at the 24-yard line, returning it to the 2-yard line, and on the next play Raphael scored a touchdown on the next play, giving California a 21-17 lead.

Individual performances

California’s offense was led by its quarterback and top rusher. Sagapolutele completed 22 of 34 passes for 254 yards, including one touchdown. On the ground, Kendrick Raphael rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown for California. Boston College’s quarterback performance included both passing and running contributions but was marred by interceptions: Dylan Lonergan, starting quarterback for Boston College, was 21 of 37 for 197 yards, throwing two interceptions, and Lonergan ran for a 7-yard touchdown.

Boston College’s running attack was highlighted by a standout performance from Turbo Richard, who carried the ball for 171 yards on 15 attempts in the game and scored the 71-yard touchdown that briefly gave BC the lead.

Scoring and halftime

Late in the second quarter Boston College took a halftime lead when Luca Lombardo kicked a career-best 52-yard field goal, allowing BC to lead 17-14 at halftime. The second half produced big plays for both teams, culminating in California’s final touchdown and the late interception that preserved the lead.

Records, series history and upcoming games

With the win, California improved its record to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Boston College fell to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the ACC. This matchup marked only the second meeting between the programs; this match was only the second meeting between California and Boston College; the first was a BC victory in 1986. California’s next game will be at home against Duke and California will host Duke in their upcoming game, while Boston College will visit Pittsburgh next Saturday.

Statistics at a glance

• Final score: California 28, Boston College 24
• Leading passer (California): Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — 22 of 34, 254 yards, 1 TD
• Leading rusher (California): Kendrick Raphael — 113 yards, 1 TD
• Leading rusher (Boston College): Turbo Richard — 171 yards on 15 attempts, 1 TD
• Boston College starting QB: Dylan Lonergan — 21 of 37, 197 yards, 2 INTs; 7-yard rushing TD

Context

The result represented an early-season conference win for California under the current schedule and a setback for Boston College, which has shown both explosive plays and costly errors in its initial games. Turnovers and special teams swings played decisive roles, as shown by the long field goal at halftime, the dropped reception in the end zone late, and the two interceptions that influenced the final margin.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• California Bears News
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