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Big things are expected out of College of the Redwoods football this fall, and the players delivered in their season opener on Saturday.

And they did so in all facets of the game.

With touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams, the Corsairs cruised to a 33-7 win at Merced College.

The team defense was particularly outstanding once again, stretching a scoreless streak to more than 15 consecutive quarters before the home team scored a late TD with the game long since decided.

“That was a huge accomplishment,” CR head coach Jason White said of his defense, which closed out last season with three straight shutouts, including a 63-0 rout of Hartnell in the Grizzly Bowl.

The Corsairs ran out to a 33-0 lead.

Moe Leiataua got the party started for the visitors with a scoop and score that he took around 80 yards to the end zone.

Running back Hank Ollenberger made it a two-touchdown lead before halftime, scoring on a 25-yard run, and the Corsairs carried a 13-0 advantage into the break.

The CR special teams added to the home team’s misery at the start of the third quarter when freshman receiver Glen “Phat” Williams took the opening kickoff all the way to the end zone.

The newcomer from Alabama had a debut to remember with the team and would score a second touchdown on a bubble screen from quarterback Bryton Livingston.

Kicker Ryan Thomas added two field goals to round out the scoring.

Perthaps most impressive was the fact the Corsairs scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams, showcasing their team balance and big-play ability.

“It was a well-rounded game in that regard,” White added.

All in all, it was an impressive start to the new season for a team that barely missed out on a conference championship in each of the past two seasons and appears determined to achieve that goal in 2024.

And it was especially impressive considering they had to play in 107 degree heat in Saturday’s opener.

“I was very happy with how we played for our first game,” White said. “Our players really handled the heat well and that adversity, and all of the players got to contribute and show what they can do.”

The offensive line and running backs helped set the tone, and this year’s CR team appears to have an abundance of talent in the backfield.

In addition to Ollenberger, both Jordyn Bowers and Isaia Hemmings also impressed running the ball, giving White and his staff plenty of depth at the position.

“All three of them played extremely well,” the head coach said. “You don’t notice a difference and who’s one, two or three.”

The offensive line not only opened holes for the backs but also did an excellent job protecting their quarterback, who was barely touched all game.

There were also several standouts on a defensive unit that continues to thrive under coordinator Damaro Wheeler.

In addition to a big game by Leiataua, fromer Del Norte Warrior Conner Long also had a big day on the line and finished with two sacks.

Freshman Linebacker Christian Solomona also impressed.

“He was all over the place,” White said of Solomona, who is a Washington native and is coming off an outstanding preseason camp with the team.

Defensive backs Isaia Tagaloa-Diaz and Jimmy Fomby both also had big days.

Tagaloa-Diaz “made a ton of plays in the second half,” according to his coach, while Fomby added an interception.

“They came out and played well and got after it,” White said of the secondary.

The Corsairs will return home to host Hartnell at the Redwood Bowl next Saturday in their home opener and a rematch of last year’s Grizzly Bowl.