The article below originally appeared in the San Mateo Daily Journal and is being reprinted with permission.

College of San Mateo’s DJ Peluso (El Camino High School) rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, and George Naufahu (San Mateo) ran for three scores as CSM opened the 2013 football season with a 41-27 victory over visiting Laney College of Oakland Saturday afternoon at College Heights Stadium.

It was the fourth straight game the Bulldogs have scored more than 40 points. San Mateo extended its current win streak to three games — including last season’s Bulldog Bowl win over Sierra.

CSM quarterback Casey Wichman led the Bulldogs on two early drives for a 14-0 lead less than four minutes into the game. The sophomore out of Tracy High was 7 of 14 for 84 yards passing and also rushed for 52 yards on 12 carries.

Peluso also had a 16-yard pass reception while Naufahu carried the ball 20 times for 82 yards.

CSM’s offense rolled for 401 yards to 397 by the Eagles. The final margin was a bit misleading. After three quarters the San Mateo advantage was 395-261 — after which Laney reserve backs Tyler McDonald and Virgil Bridges accounted for 117 fourth quarter yards.

Laney took advantage of San Mateo’s miscues in the final period that included two lost fumbles (one via an onside kickoff by the Eagles) and a missed CSM field goal to control the ball for most of the period.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were led by defensive back Mister Cotton with seven unassisted tackles and linebacker Michael Spivey recorded eight total tackles. Defensive back Sam Atoe had seven while Taylor Mashack (Menlo-Atherton) tallied five. Cotton, Spivey and Mashack each interceded a pass.

Next weekend, CSM hosts cross bridge rival Chabot (1-0) on Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Gladiators opened their season with an impressive 32-17 victory over state ninth-ranked San Joaquin Delta.