CULVER CITY – The 2024 West Los Angeles College football season got off to a tough start as the Wildcats suffered a narrow 20-18 loss to visiting Los Angeles Southwest College in both teams' opening game.

Freshman running back Bryant Collins was impressive in his West LA debut. On the ground, he led all with 151 yards on 18 carries and averaged 8.4 yards per attempt.

The Wildcats fell behind early and trailed 13-0 at halftime before coming alive in the third. Kalvin Green ran in from 11 yards for West LA's first touchdown of the season at the 8:30 mark.

That was followed by a pair of Wildcat TDs in the fourth quarter. Bryan Collings hauled in an 11-yard touchdown reception from Jackson Dadich and Dadich snuck in from one yard out to put West LA out in front for the first time at 18-13.

But LA Southwest put together a final scoring drive late in the fourth that proved to be the game-winner. With 2:03 remaining, Gabe Motschenba connected with Isiah Arreola for a 14-yard TD and go-ahead score.

The Wildcats had one final chance but couldn't convert on its last drive of the game.

West LA was led defensively by Michael Edwards. The freshman totaled 13 tackles, including 10 solo, and broke up a pass.

The Wildcats, now 0-1 overall, are back in action next Saturday (Sep. 14) when they travel to Pasadena City College for a 6 p.m. non-conference game.