Moorpark College football star Ray Bolden earned an honorable mention following the stunning Raider upset of seventh ranked Cerritos.

In only his freshman year, the starting receiver was chosen as an all-conference first team receiver Monday, and has been recognized by the SCFA as one of the elite.

Bolden, a Texas native, has always had a chip on his shoulder. Ever since high school, Bolden has had coaches tell him he’d never be a great football player.

“That really burned a fire under me,” Bolden said. “I set out to prove every one of those coaches wrong, and make a statement; I think I did that.”

In the season finale against Cerritos, Bolden showed why he was elite. He played an instrumental role in the eventual upset of the number seven team in California.

Bolden recorded seven receptions for 97 yards, and one touchdown in the Raider victory.

After his stellar year, Head Coach Will Thurston has become a believer in Bolden’s skill.

“Ray always worked so hard, he deserved it,” Thurston said. “We are really proud of him, and hope we get to welcome him back next season.”

With the end of the 2013 season, Bolden is ranked as the twentieth overall receiver in the state, and third overall in yards per game with 80.2. Bolden has managed 60 receptions for a total of 802 yards, and finished with 5 total touchdowns this season.

“It was an honor to be mentioned with some of the other elite players in the league,” Bolden said. “I was never one to care about stats, but it reassured me of who I am as a player, it was the cherry on top.”

The freshman star has received some interest from some upper division collegiate teams, and will have a tough decision to make in the winter.

“I have received some offers, and i have a big choice to make,” said Bolden “I just pray, and know everything will work out in the end.”