Rebels Extend Unbeaten Streak with Dominant Week 3 Win Over Burlington Boss Hogs”
By Gary Reynolds Jr., Los Angeles Times Sports Reporter
In what can only be described as a Cinderella story in the making, the California Rebels entered Week 3 with an unblemished record, an arsenal of star power at running back, and the much-anticipated return of wide receiver Chris Godwin. On the flip side, the Burlington Boss Hogs faced the game with a sense of depletion, having suffered a devastating blow with the season-ending injury of their first-round pick, Nick Chubb, just last Monday. Adding to their woes were concerns over depth within the squad.
The matchup marked the Rebels as favorites for the first time this season. A team that, intriguingly, had zero draft picks in last month’s draft, has defied expectations thus far with two impressive victories. The credit, according to Owner Hunter Schaal, goes to Head Coach Matthew Nevers, who has instilled belief in the squad. Schaal was effusive in his praise, stating, “All I can do is admire his work.”
The game kicked off on Sunday with Burlington’s QB Justin Herbert putting up an impressive 35.1 points on the scoreboard. However, the Rebels had their own standout in the form of Raheem “The Dream” Mostert, who ran his way to a remarkable 47.2 points, bolstered by four touchdowns. Riding the momentum created by Mostert, the Rebels entered Monday night with three players left to play. Although the highly anticipated return of WR Chris Godwin didn’t produce fireworks, Coach Matthew Nevers showed unwavering confidence, stating, “I have complete trust in Chris. He’ll bounce back.” While WR Puka Nacua may not have met his usual standards, the Rebels managed to secure a victory over division rivals the Boss Hogs with a score of 132.1-108.5.
With their triumph over the Boss Hogs, the Rebels now boast an impressive 3-0 start to the season. A team that was projected to have the lowest number of wins entering the season has emerged as the last unbeaten squad in the NAFC. While the enchanting journey is sure to face challenges ahead, it doesn’t have to come to an end just yet. In the words of Rebel fans, “Believe and Be Ready,” and trust in the guidance of Coach Matthew Nevers.
Nevers himself is now just two wins away from reaching the historic milestone of 100 career victories, a testament to his coaching prowess and the remarkable journey of the California Rebels in this young season.
