The Cal Bears Jacob De Jesus dives into the end zone for a first quarter touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Fri Oct 17, 2025 (Cal Bears photo by Nancy Paiva)

By Morris Phillips

BEREKELY–The Cal Bears picked up their fifth win of the season improving to 5-2 with a 21-18 win over the UNC Tar Heels (2-4) at Cal Berekley’s Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

The game got off to an ominous start for North Carolina. On the very first play from scrimmage, the Heels fumbled the ball after a short pass, and Cal capitalized quickly. Just four plays later, with only about six minutes gone, Cal freshman quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele scored on a short rushing touchdown to give the Bears a 7‑0 lead.

The Tar Heels answered back with running back Benjamin Hall who took a handoff for an 18‑yard touchdown knotting up the game at 7‑7, giving the struggling Tar Heels some hope. But Cal came right back before the half, as Sagapolutele tossed to wide receiver Jacob De Jesus for a touchdown, and the Bears took a 14‑10 lead.

Third quarter action, Cal got more offensive scoring. The Bears scored on a fourth‑and‑one, when running back Kendrick Raphael took a two yard carry for touchdown, getting Cal up 11 points ahead 21‑10. UNC’s offense tried as hard as they could, but just couldn’t get enough offense and Cal stopped the Tar Heels for much of the third quarter from advancing the ball.

Fourth quarter: North Carolina tried to make a comeback in the game. The Tar Heels cut the Bears lead to 21-18, giving UNC some hope to get within striking distance. UNC couldn’t convert, when receiver Nathan Leacock caught a pass near the goal line but couldn’t get over the line, the Bears defensive back Brent Austin broke it up by knocking the ball out of Leacock’s hands only for Cal’s defensive back to recover the ball in the end zone with just four minutes left in the contest as Cal came away with the win.

Cal came away with the win with four point victory , the game did have some positives for UNC. The Tar Heels improved on defense keeping the game close, and the offense got a good performance from wide receiver Kobe Paysour. UNC errors were costly however when they had an fumble and a goal line fumble earlier. Cal put for their effort put a stop on UNC’s drive showing a strong defense. The Tar Heels continue to have troubles to finish drives. Cal had a number of penalties with nine penalties for 80 yards.

Cal takes on Virginia Tech next Friday Oct 24th at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg VA kick off 4:30pm PT