Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography
Mesa Eyes Three-Peat as Kings of the County
San Diego Mesa College enters the 2025 season with momentum from a solid 8-3 campaign (5-2 conference) in 2024, providing a strong foundation for continued success. The biggest storyline heading into the season will be the quarterback competition, as the team must replace Jax Leatherwood, who threw for 2,472 yards and 26 touchdowns last season before taking his talent to Southwest Missouri State. While no starter has been announced publicly, Sophomore Reggie Johnson, who saw limited action in 2024, will likely compete with incoming freshmen Jackson Emerson (Point Loma) and Tyson Line (Mira Mesa). The success of Mesa's 2025 campaign could depend on which quarterback emerges and how quickly they can develop chemistry with a talented receiving corp.
Despite standout receiver Jalil Tucker heading to Oregon State following an award-winning 2024 campaign, the offensive foundation looks promising with several key returning players and strong depth at skill positions. Derek McClintic (Vista) returns at running back after a solid 2024 season where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry, while the receiving corps features experienced targets like Makai Gray-Virgil (Lincoln), and Conor Lawlor (Scripps Ranch), who contributed 446 yards and six touchdowns last season. A major weapon in the passing game will be tight end Chance Bell (Mira Mesa), who returns as one of the top tight ends in the state and should provide the new QB1 with a reliable target. The offensive line includes former Lincoln High standout Journey Tala, Ayden Dolan (Santana), and Joseph Hunt (Steele Canyon).
Defensively, Mesa returns several contributors, including All-Conference linebacker Cooper Mau (La Costa Canyon) and defensive back Chris Fewell (Lincoln). They'll need to replace some graduated talent while maintaining their aggressive style. The team's strong local recruiting base and balanced offensive weapons should keep them competitive in conference play, but integrating new starters at quarterback and along the offensive line will be key factors in determining whether they can match or exceed last season's run. With experienced receivers, a promising backfield, and a defense built on creating turnovers, Mesa has the pieces in place for another successful season.
2025 Kings of the County
9/20 San Diego Mesa at Palomar
9/27 Southwestern at San Diego Mesa
10/9 Southwestern at Palomar
San Diego JuCo Preseason Rankings
#1 San Diego Mesa Olympians
2024 Record: 8-3 (5-2)
Week 1: vs. East Los Angeles
#2 Palomar Comets
2024 Record: 4-6 (3-4)
Week 1: vs. Ventura
#3 Southwestern Jaguars
2024 Record: 2-8 (1-6)
Week 1: vs. Canyons
#4 Grossmont Griffins
2024 Record: 1-9 (0-7)
Week 1: vs. Compton
Grossmont has moved from the Southern League to the Pacific League and have no games scheduled with teams from San Diego County. This removes them from the traditional "Kings of the County" competition, as they'll focus on establishing themselves against out-of-town opponents.
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