Another week, another big-play receiver for the Corsairs.

Just seven days after being overshadowed by teammates Micha Fontenot-Cornely and Zach Loveland in the season opener, Marcus Finney led the way at Gavilan, as College of the Redwoods got its first win of the season in football, 44-28.

Finney, a former Eureka High standout who had not played a football game in three years before this season, showcased not only his own potential, but the depth of options the Corsairs have at the position this year.

The freshman caught two touchdown passes and capped a huge overall performance with a third TD on a kick return, as well as a  blocked punt.

“Marcus Finney had a heck of a game,” CR head coach Frank Borba said. “We’re really happy with our receiving corps and Marcus is a big part of that.”

Finney’s punt block in the opening quarter set up the Corsairs’ first touchdown of the day, which he himself scored moments later.

He opened the second half with a kickoff return to give his team some momentum in a tight game.

On the ensuing Rams’ drive, defensive back Tariq Moore then intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown, as CR quickly opened up a sizable lead.

Loveland led the team in receptions with a second straight big game, while running back Elijah Hicks had a touchdown and close to 100 yards.

No final individual statistics were available on Saturday.

Impressive kicking debut

One player who went the extra mile to help the Corsairs was kicker Roberto Ortiz, or to be precise, an extra 77 miles.

After playing for the CR mens soccer team in the morning — during which he had an assist in a 1-1 tie — Ortiz made the trip from Merritt College in Oakland to Gavilan College in Gilroy, arriving in the second quarter, to play for the football team.

“He told me, my mom will get me there,” Borba said.

And the dual athlete made an immediate impact, kicking a 38-yard field goal  just moments after he arrived, with pads and uniform already on.

“It would have been good from 50 yards,” Borba said of the attempt. “It was the first time he ever kicked a ball on a football field.”

Ortiz had an impressive debut, nailing six points, including three of his PATs.

“He kicked the heck out of the ball,” the head coach said.

Missed tackles on defense

It wasn’t all good news for the Corsairs, with some sloppy defense at times, while the passing game struggled more than it did a week ago against Monterey Peninsula College.

“Defensively, we started a little slow, but they got going,” Borba said. “We didn’t tackle well as a team. We let their quarterback escape a couple of times … we played good enough to win, We just gave up too many big plays.”

Overall, however, it was a comfortable victory for the Corsairs (1-1).

QB Brody Lucero threw for three TDs, to go with a pair of interceptions, while back-up QB Alex Adams got to see some action late.

The Corsairs return home to host Hartnell College next weekend.