News Summary
The Hancock College football team kicks off its 2025 season against Orange Coast College this Saturday at 2 p.m. Coach Ricky Aguilar aims to build on their previous successes despite roster changes. After last year’s 6-5 record and a Southern California Bowl appearance, both teams face challenges in filling gaps left by graduated players. Hancock, boasting a strong defense, will look to sophomore Semaji Carmichael as a key ball carrier, while tackling a competitive schedule ahead.
Santa Maria, CA – The Hancock College football team is set to kick off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated home game against Orange Coast College (OCC) this Saturday at 2 p.m.. Coach Ricky Aguilar, who has successfully led the Bulldogs to back-to-back post-season bowl appearances, will be looking to build on the team’s prior successes despite significant roster changes.
Last season, Hancock finished with a record of 6-5 and played in the Southern California Bowl, where they were defeated 28-7 by Golden West. The Bulldogs have claimed victory over OCC in their last two matchups, including a decisive 58-29 win at OCC last year. In contrast, OCC struggled throughout the 2024 season, ending with a 2-8 record and an average of just 17.3 points per game, while allowing nearly 40 points on defense.
Challenges lie ahead for both teams as they aim to fill the gaps left by their main yardage producers, who have graduated. For OCC, this includes former leading rusher Zach Congalton. Hancock’s premier back, Caden Harris, also graduated last spring, leaving the Bulldogs looking to sophomore Semaji Carmichael as the expected leading ball carrier for the upcoming season.
In terms of leadership on the field, Drake Missamore is projected to take on the starting quarterback role for Hancock after serving as a solid backup last year. The Bulldogs’ roster features a total of six quarterbacks, including Cash Carter from Righetti High School and Isaiah Weichinger, who previously played on Orcutt Academy’s eight-player squad. The team’s offensive line will be a mix of returning players and newcomers, with Jacob Garbiso being the only returning regular and fullback Dominic Soares from St. Joseph High School and Adrian Mondol from Righetti joining the lineup.
Hancock will also feel the impact of the loss of standout wide receiver Makai Puga, who was honored as the top receiver in the Northern League and had significant contributions as a kick returner. Despite these changes on offense, Hancock’s defense has typically been robust against the run, although they have had difficulties with pass coverage in prior seasons. This year, defensive back Takai Azziz from St. Joseph will be playing a crucial role in strengthening the secondary, while linebacker Jacob Nelson is expected to lead the defense after previously serving as a backup last season.
After their season opener against OCC, Hancock will face Golden West once again before hitting the road for two games against Bakersfield and Golden West, transitioning into Northern League play with their matchup against Santa Ana on September 20.
The combination of a challenging schedule and changes in both teams’ rosters makes this season pivotal for the Hancock College football team as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Santa Maria Times
- Wikipedia: College Football Playoff
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Search: Hancock College football 2025
- Eleven Warriors
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football (Sport)
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