College Football Recap (Oct. 18)

Julian Sayin Shines in Ohio State Victory

Former Carlsbad High School star Julian Sayin delivered a career-best performance for Ohio State in the Buckeyes' 42-36 victory over Wisconsin Saturday morning. The sophomore quarterback completed an impressive 85.7% of his passes (36-of-42) for 393 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the elite talent that made him one of the nation's top recruits. Sayin's precision passing attack carved up the Badgers defense as he distributed the ball efficiently throughout the game, displaying the poise and accuracy that San Diego County football fans have come to expect from the talented signal-caller.

The performance wasn't just statistically impressive—it marked Sayin's arrival as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender for the undefeated Buckeyes.

Sayin has now completed more than 70% of his passing attempts with at least two touchdown passes in each of Ohio State's last six games, joining an exclusive club that includes only four other quarterbacks: 2023 Heisman finalist Bo Nix, 2020 finalist Trevor Lawrence, 2019 winner Joe Burrow, and 2018 winner Kyler Murray. 

His teammate, star wide receiver Carnell Tate, didn't mince words about Sayin's Heisman credentials, declaring: "He's the truth. He's a Heisman winner. There's no ifs, ands or doubts about it. Each and every week, he shows us he's a Heisman winner."

The Carlsbad native has taken the college football world by storm in his first year as a starter, leading the nation in completion percentage while piloting Ohio State's high-powered offense. Head coach Ryan Day intentionally opened up the offense against Wisconsin, putting more on Sayin's plate and challenging him to push the ball downfield—a test the young quarterback passed with flying colors. The Buckeyes remain perfect at 7-0 and have won 11 consecutive games dating back to their College Football Playoff championship run last season, with Sayin emerging as the orchestrator of one of the nation's most dominant offenses.

College Football Recap (Oct. 9-11)

USD sporting new Torero Blue jerseys for their Homecoming Game against Drake.

A week of thrilling finishes and statement victories saw San Diego State continue its hot streak while local junior college teams battled through pivotal conference matchups. From a last-second heartbreaker for the Toreros to Southwestern cementing its local dominance, here’s a recap of the action.

Drake Walks Off USD for Third Straight Season

For the third consecutive year, the University of San Diego Toreros (3-4, 1-2 PFL) suffered a last-second, walk-off defeat at the hands of the Drake Bulldogs, falling 19-16 at Torero Stadium. In a defensive struggle defined by field goals, the Toreros held a 13-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. After allowing a five-yard touchdown run by Logan Inagawa to give Drake a 16-13 lead, a missed extra point gave USD life. Kicker Emiliano Salazar nailed a 41-yard field goal with 1:09 left to tie the game at 16-16. However, Drake drove into range, and Cathedral Catholic alum Harry Balke booted a 55-yard field goal as time expired. USD running back Adam Criter was a workhorse, carrying the ball 28 times for 108 yards. Senior receiver Cole Monach provided the biggest offensive spark with a 73-yard touchdown catch from punt returner Yosei Takahashi on a double-pass play. They now head into a needed bye week to regroup before a road trip to Davidson on October 25th.

Aztecs Roll to Fourth Straight Win, Best Start Since 2021

San Diego State (5-1, 2-0 MWC) put on a dominant road performance, blowing out the Nevada Wolf Pack 44-10. The Aztecs' offense was explosive, scoring 35 points in the first half—their most in a half since at least 2000. The defense and special teams joined the party, with Chris Johnson returning an interception for a touchdown and Jordan Napier (5 RECs for 110 yards) taking a punt 75 yards to the house. It was the first time SDSU had both a punt return and an interception return for a TD in the same game since 2013. San Diego State kicker Gabe Plascencia was perfect, going 3-for-3 on field goals and extending his school and Mountain West record streak to 22 consecutive makes. With their fourth consecutive victory, the Aztecs have secured their best start to a season since 2021 and will head into their bye week firmly in the Mountain West conference race.

Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 25 at Fresno State

JuCo: Midseason Standouts

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

As San Diego Juco Football reaches the midpoint of its season, several players have emerged as difference-makers for their respective programs. From explosive receivers to shutdown defenders, these athletes are putting together standout campaigns worth recognizing. Keep an eye on these names as they make waves at the junior college level and could be on the radar of four-year programs nationwide.

College Football: USD and SDSU Win on Last-Second Field Goals, Southwestern Dethrones Mesa in Epic Triple-Overtime Battle

San Diego County football fans were treated to a thrilling weekend of college action, with three local programs delivering dramatic finishes.

USD Completes Stunning Rally in 30-27 Victory Over St. Thomas

The University of San Diego pulled off perhaps the most remarkable comeback of the weekend, overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit to defeat St. Thomas (MN) 30-27 on a 25-yard field goal by Emiliano Salazar as time expired at Torero Stadium.

Trailing 17-3 at the break, the Toreros erupted for 24 third-quarter points. The rally began when Dom Nankil (Mater Dei Catholic) connected with Josh Heverly for a 41-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-nine, a gutsy call that sparked the comeback.

"I thought we were going to punt it and then they said we're staying on the field and that warmed my heart for sure," Heverly said of the crucial fourth-down decision. "There was never a doubt. I got trust in my OC, trust in the quarterback and the O-line."

College Football: USD stuns Princeton, Mesa still Kings of the County, SDSU shuts down Cal, Southwestern remains undefeated

 Photo Credit: Shelley Szwast, USD Athletics

Toreros defeat Princeton 42-35 in Wild Comeback

In the most thrilling game of the weekend, the University of San Diego pulled off a spectacular comeback victory over Princeton, 42-35, at Princeton Stadium. The Toreros overcame a 21-point first quarter deficit to improve to 2-2 on the season.

Princeton jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead after the first quarter, with Ethan Clark's 55-yard touchdown run capping off a dominant opening period. The Tigers extended their lead to 35-14 early in the second quarter before USD's offense found its rhythm.

Senior running back Adam Criter was the hero for the Toreros, rushing for 105 yards and three crucial touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:04 remaining. Quarterback Tyler Voss completed 25 of 34 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns, finding his favorite target Josh Heverly eight times for 56 yards and two scores.

The comeback began in the second quarter when USD scored 21 points to close the gap. The Toreros then dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Princeton 21-0 to complete the stunning turnaround. USD's defense forced a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter that set up Criter's second touchdown of the period.

The Toreros controlled the ball for over 38 minutes and converted 14 of 21 third-down attempts.

USD returns to Torero Stadium next Saturday, Sept. 27th to kickoff Pioneer Football League action against St. Thomas.

San Diego State Dominates Cal in 34-0 Shutout

At Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State delivered a statement performance with a commanding 34-0 shutout victory over California before 31,369 fans. The Aztecs improved to 2-1 while handing Cal their first loss of the season.

The SDSU defense was spectacular, forcing multiple turnovers and returning them for touchdowns. Linebacker Dwayne McDougle scored on a 35-yard fumble recovery, while defensive back Chris Johnson returned an interception 97 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal was efficient for the Aztecs, completing 15 of 18 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown. His 80-yard touchdown strike to Jordan Napier in the second quarter gave SDSU a 7-0 lead they would never relinquish.

The Aztecs' balanced attack generated 321 total yards while holding Cal to just 289. SDSU's defense recorded four sacks and limited the Golden Bears to just 2.1 yards per rushing attempt.

San Diego State will look to build on this momentum when they hit the road next Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. meeting at Northern Illinois.

JuCo Recap: Southwestern Remains Unbeaten While County Teams Stumble

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa Falls Short Against Citrus 24-21

In a heartbreaking finish at Merrill Douglas Stadium, San Diego Mesa (1-2) dropped a 24-21 decision to Citrus College. The Olympians found themselves trailing 24-14 entering the fourth quarter but couldn't complete the comeback.

Mesa's offense showed impressive balance, accumulating 411 total yards led by a powerful rushing attack that generated 280 yards on the ground. Derek McClintic (Vista) paced the running game with 116 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while quarterback Reggie Johnson added 42 rushing yards to go with his 92 passing yards.

Troy Bassler was Johnson's primary target, catching six passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns. The Olympians controlled the clock, holding possession for over 44 minutes compared to Citrus's 22:47.

However, turnovers proved costly as Mesa threw two interceptions while failing to force any turnovers of their own. Despite outgaining Citrus 411-312 in total yards, the Olympians couldn't overcome the miscues.

They will look to rebound next Saturday when they travel to Palomar for a "Kings of the County" title defense.

Southwestern Dominates Long Beach City College 38-14

The Southwestern Jaguars (2-0) continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 38-14 victory over Long Beach City College at LBCC's Veterans Stadium. The Jaguars controlled the game from start to finish, building a 14-0 first quarter lead and never looking back.

Quarterback Brayten Silbor led the offensive charge, completing 12 of 22 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Clint Thomas Jr., who hauled in a 48-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter. Josiah Jefferson also contributed with an 11-yard scoring reception.

The Jaguars' ground game complemented their aerial attack effectively, with Jamarei Ashby-Phan leading the way with 94 yards on 13 carries.

Defensively, Southwestern forced three fumbles and recorded three sacks, with linebacker Carson Curtis leading the charge with seven tackles and a sack. They will look to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they host Mt. San Jacinto next Saturday.

JuCo Recap Week 2: San Diego teams pull off 3 of 4 wins on the road

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Mt. San Antonio Outlasts San Diego Mesa in Back-and-forth Affair, 21-18

Walnut, CA - Mt. San Antonio College improved to 3-0 with a thrilling 21-18 victory over San Diego Mesa at Hilmer Lodge Stadium. After San Diego Mesa jumped out to a 10-0 lead on an 83-yard touchdown pass from Reggie Johnson to Morse High alum Aleonte Logan and a field goal, Mt. San Antonio responded with three rushing touchdowns from Aiden Ramos (123 yards, 3 TDs on 24 carries). The Olympians made it interesting late when Johnson connected with Jay Porter on a 75-yard touchdown pass with 1:48 remaining, and Logan caught the two-point conversion to cut the deficit to three points. However, the Mounties were able to run out the clock to preserve the victory. Johnson finished 18-33 for 284 yards and two touchdowns for Mesa, while Hunter Herrera managed the game effectively for Mt. San Antonio with 203 passing yards. The Olympians fall to 1-1 and will return home this Saturday for a meeting with Citrus.

Palomar Edges East Los Angeles in Defensive Battle, 17-14

Monterey Park, CA - Palomar College held on for a thrilling 17-14 victory over East Los Angeles College that came down to the final seconds. The Comets built a 14-0 halftime lead behind touchdown passes from Jakob Harris (37 yards to Princeton Anderson) and Lincoln High alum KJ Chatham (12 yards to Furious Hoskins), but East Los Angeles rallied with a spectacular 79-yard scoring strike from Logan Ebnet to Da'mari Taylor in the third quarter. After Palomar extended their lead to 17-6 on a Carson Beard field goal, the Huskies scored again on a James Thomas II 1-yard run but failed on the two-point conversion. The game ended with dramatic fashion as East Los Angeles was credited with a safety in the final seconds, making the final score 17-14. Ebnet threw for 276 yards for the Huskies, while Palomar's balanced attack was led by Chatham and Harris combining for 187 passing yards. The Comets improve to 1-1 and will hit the road again for their next outing against Pasadena City.

 

Southwestern Dominates Orange Coast in Offensive Explosion, 71-10

Costa Mesa, CA - Southwestern College put on an offensive showcase in a 71-10 rout of Orange Coast College at LeBard Stadium, improving to 2-0 on the season. The Jaguars amassed 588 total yards while completing 21 of 26 passes for 358 yards and six touchdowns. Ty McCutcheon (10-12, 168 yards, 3 TDs) and Brayten Silbor (9-11, 133 yards, 1 TD) led the aerial attack, while Caleb Blocker rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Tyler Becker caught six passes for 108 yards and two scores, and Israel Evans added three catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Orange Coast (0-2) managed just 10 points on a Talan Samosky field goal and a 3-yard touchdown pass from Sonny Tierney to Joseph Flannigan. Southwestern improves to 2-0 as they get set to face Long Beach on the road this Saturday.

Grossmont leaves LA with another big win, 42-15

The Grossmont Griffins are off to their first 2-0 start since 2016 after a 42-15 victory over Los Angeles Southwest. Grossmont DBs Paris Dixon (El Cajon Valley) & Adrien Chargualaf (Lincoln) recorded pick-sixes during the win. The Griffins will remain on the road this Saturday when they take on Antelope Valley. 

JuCo Week 1: San Diego teams win 3 of 4

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO MESA (1-0) 35, East Los Angeles (0-1) 20

Mesa set the tone on the opening kick when Morse High alum Aleonte Logan housed a 92-yard return, then QB Reggie Johnson authored a four-touchdown night (three passing, one rushing) to guide the Olympians past East Los Angeles. Johnson hit Kwali Wilson (31 yards) and Conor Lawlor twice (32, 18) through the air and tucked one in from 12 yards after halftime; Logan piled up 181 kick-return yards on four tries. ELAC QB Logan Ebnet threw for 293 yards and two late scores, but Mesa’s 8-of-11 third-down efficiency and timely red-zone finishing were the difference despite 15 penalties.

SOUTHWESTERN (1-0) 26, Canyons (0-1) 24

Southwestern opened fast and finished faster, edging Canyons 26–24 with a 1-yard keeper by QB Brayten Silbor with 1:27 left. Silbor was sharp all day (27-of-38, 287 yards, 3 TD) with scores to Israel Evans, Nic Cline and Israel Garcia-Rotolo, while the Jaguars’ defense grabbed the game’s lone interception (Chance LaChappa). Canyons rallied in the fourth behind dual-threat Jazel Riley IV (107 rush yards, rushing TD, plus a 40-yard TD pass to Joseph Saenz), but Southwestern's late 75-yard march sealed it. Team totals were nearly even (SWC 439 yards, Canyons 391), with both sides converting 57% on third down.

GROSSMONT (1-0) 64, Compton (0-1) 0

Grossmont put up a statement shutout in its home opener, racking up 427 total yards and 22 first downs while holding Compton to just three total yards of offense. QB Melvin Spicer IV earned SCFA Player of the Week honors after dicing the secondary (15-of-22, 250 yards) with five touchdown passes and added a 32-yard rushing score; the Griffins also got ground TDs from Myles Norman and Gannon Daoedsjah and a 36-yard field goal from Tyler Haley. The defense was relentless, limiting Compton to -2 net passing yards and five rushing yards, while Abdikadir Ali sparked special teams with four punt returns for 89 yards.

Ventura (1-0) 32, PALOMAR (0-1) 21

Palomar led 14–6 after a 52-yard sprint from Fallbrook High alum Chris Bausch (183 rush yards) and a 26-yard KJ Chatham (Lincoln) touchdown strike, but Ventura methodically took control with 554 total yards and a 35:47 time-of-possession advantage. The Pirates leaned on a deep backfield (334 rushing yards) and QB Devin Tate, who threw a TD to Elijah Davis and later iced it with a 24-yard scoring run with 4:53 to play; Koen Glover also powered in from a yard out. Chatham finished with two TD passes for Palomar, but Ventura’s balance and sustained drives proved decisive late.

JuCo: Kings of the County will be a three-way battle this season

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.

2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa College continues its reign over San Diego County junior college football, leading the way in the 2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team selections. The Olympians, who secured their second straight Kings of the County title with an undefeated record against local programs, dominated the selections following a historic season that featured their first-ever state playoff bid.

College Football: Mesa's 30-Point Lead Evaporates in Playoff Loss at Riverside

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

In a stunning turn of events that will be remembered for years to come, the San Diego Mesa Olympians saw their championship hopes slip away Saturday afternoon, surrendering a 30-point lead in a devastating 37-30 playoff loss to the Riverside City College Tigers at Wheelock Stadium.

Making its first-ever playoff appearance, the Olympians (8-3) dominated the first two-and-a-half quarters, building what appeared to be an insurmountable 30-0 advantage behind a stellar performance from quarterback Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch). The sophomore signal-caller threw for 327 yards, including touchdown passes to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker (34 yards) and Danny Davis (5 yards), while adding a 12-yard rushing score of his own. Kicker Robert Petrich (Granite Hills) was perfect on the day, connecting on field goals of 30, 30, and 33 yards.

College Football: Mesa still Kings of the County, USD dominates Stetson on Senior Day, Aztecs fall in Vegas, and Southwestern defeats struggling Griffins

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa Edges Palomar in Tight Contest

In a hard-fought defensive battle, San Diego Mesa (8-2, 5-2) edged out a 14-10 victory over Palomar (4-6, 3-4) to earn the Kings of the County title for the second straight season. Sophomore running back Danny Davis emerged as the hero for Mesa, scoring both touchdowns on runs of three and 10 yards, while amassing 103 yards on 19 carries. Despite a challenging day through the air, with quarterback Jax Leatherwood throwing four interceptions, including three to Palomar's Davion Green, who recorded his second three-interception game of the season for a total of nine, Mesa's offense displayed resilience.

The Olympians managed to accumulate 330 total yards, with wide receiver Jalil Tucker leading all pass-catchers with 73 yards on five receptions. Mesa's defense stepped up when it mattered most, limiting Palomar to a mere 73 rushing yards and forcing two crucial fumbles. Palomar's offense showed flashes of brilliance, such as Elijah Hudson's 76-yard reception and a touchdown pass from KJ Chatham to Quincy Herron.

College Football: Toreros Remain Undefeated at Home with a Dominant 34-6 Victory Over Marist

TORERO STADIUM - The University of San Diego Toreros (4-2, 2-1 PFL) continued their unbeaten home streak with an impressive 34-6 victory over Marist (0-7, 0-4 PFL) in front of 3,017 fans at Torero Stadium on homecoming day. The Toreros, now 4-0 at home, put together a complete team performance, with contributions from all phases of the game.

The defensive unit set the tone early when Eric Haney returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. "I always pray for the opportunity to make plays, and today, I was able to be in the right spot at the right time. I'm just grateful," Haney said of the game’s opening score. This play ignited the Toreros, giving them a quick 7-0 lead.

San Diego's offense wasted no time extending the lead. Quarterback Grant Sergent connected with wide receiver Ja’Seem Reed on a 21-yard touchdown pass to cap a seven-play, 53-yard drive later in the first quarter. Reed was unstoppable throughout the game, notching a career-high 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. "We really emphasized attacking the zone coverage this week, and it worked," Reed said. "Coach Moore and the staff had a great game plan, and we executed."

San Diego maintained a steady offensive pace after the halftime break, with Aidan Lehman drilling a 52-yard field goal and Sergent finding Reed again for an 18-yard touchdown. Josh Heverly added a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Sergent finished the day with 202 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised the complete team effort. "This is the first time this season we've put all three phases of the game together. Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed today," Moore said. "It was great to see the hard work from practice pay off, especially on a big homecoming day."

Defensively, the Toreros were relentless, holding Marist to just six points and 226 total yards. The defense registered four sacks, including key stops from Giovanni Iovino and Malachi Cooper, who combined for multiple tackles for loss. Marist managed just one touchdown, a 21-yard pass from Sonny Mannino to Mohamed Diawara, which was the only bright spot for the visiting team.

"We're excited to continue this momentum as we head on the road," Moore added. "But there's still work to be done, and we have a tough test against St. Thomas next week."

San Diego will look to secure its first road win of the season as they travel to Minnesota to face St. Thomas in a crucial conference matchup.

San Diego JuCo Recap (Oct. 5, 2024)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Saddleback 26, SAN DIEGO MESA 24

San Diego Mesa's undefeated streak came to an end after a tightly contested battle against the visiting Saddleback Bobcats (4-1, 2-0). Mesa’s defense struggled early, allowing 17 first-quarter points, but they tightened up in the second half. Quarterback Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch) led a comeback effort, throwing for 223 yards and 2 touchdowns, with standout performances from Scripps Ranch High alum Conor Lawlor (69 rec yards, 1 TD) and return specialist Jalil Tucker (Lincoln), who electrified the crowd by taking a 95-yard punt return to the house late in the fourth quarter. It wasn't enough as the Olympians dropped to 4-1 on the season. Defensively, Christian Mota (San Marcos) led with five tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, while Cooper Mau (Carlsbad) added key stops.

PALOMAR 44, GROSSMONT 3

Palomar (2-3, 1-1) flexed its dominance over Grossmont (1-4, 0-2) from the opening drive, scoring twice in the first quarter and never looking back. Andrew Tapley completed 21 of 28 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown, while running back Chris Bausch (Fallbrook) amassed 130 yards on seven carries, including an explosive 85-yard run. Receiver Jake Whitehead was Tapley's favorite target, racking up 126 yards and a trip to the end zone. The Comet's defense also shined, led by Steven Arteaga (3 tackles, 1.5 sacks) and Tucker Murphy, who recorded an interception.

Fullerton 49, SOUTHWESTERN 14

Southwestern’s struggles continued as they fell behind early to the Fullerton Hornets (3-2, 1-0), who capitalized on turnovers and controlled the game from start to finish. Quarterback Hunter Maxwell threw for 141 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Cody Judge for a 43-yard score in the first quarter. However, the Jaguars (0-4, 0-1) couldn’t match Fullerton’s balanced attack, led by Elvis Vakapuna’s 3 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 receiving). Defensively, Lincoln High alum Chris Fewell recorded a team-high 10 tackles, while Joshua Ferrara (Grossmont) added six tackles and a sack.

2024 Kings of the County Standings

#1 San Diego Mesa 🏆 4-1, 1-0

#2 Palomar 2-2, 1-0

#3 Grossmont 1-4, 0-2

#4 Southwestern 0-4, 0-0

Top JuCo Performers of the Week

RB Chris Bausch (Palomar) – 130 Rushing Yards, 1 TD

WR Cody Judge (Southwestern) – 43-yard TD Reception

DB Joshua Ferrara (Southwestern) – 6 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 TFL

LB Chris Fewell (Southwestern) – 10 Tackles

QB Jax Leatherwood (San Diego Mesa) – 21/41 for 223 Passing Yards, 2 TDs

DL Christian Mota (San Diego Mesa) – 5 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, 2.5 TFL​

QB Andrew Tapley (Palomar) – 251 Passing Yards, 1 TD

ATH Jalil Tucker (San Diego Mesa) – 95-yard Punt Return TD, 1 Interception

WR Jake Whitehead (Palomar) – 9 Catches, 126 Yards, 1 TD

College Football: Mesa Wins Battle of Top 10 Teams, Stays Unbeaten

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – The San Diego Mesa Olympians moved to 3-0 on the season with a 22-7 win over the Golden West Rustlers (2-1), fueled by early offensive bursts and a dominant defensive performance.

Former Scripps Ranch standout Jax Leatherwood led the charge for Mesa, tossing two first-quarter touchdowns — a 12-yard pass to Kendall Ayersman and a 28-yard strike to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker. Leatherwood finished the day completing 22 of 33 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The Olympians' defense was the difference maker, limiting Golden West to just 94 rushing yards and only one score — a second-quarter 20-yard touchdown pass from Will Burns to Noah Burdick. Key defensive highlights included interceptions by John Shepard and Jacob Benavente, along with three sacks to keep the Rustlers’ offense at bay.

Granite Hills alum Robert Petrich added two field goals, including a 34-yarder late in the fourth quarter, and a safety sealed the victory for Mesa.

The Rustlers entered the game ranked No. 3 in the State Rankings, while Mesa was ranked No. 8.

Next Saturday, the Olympians will aim to continue their winning streak as they host rival Grossmont in their homecoming game.

2024 Kings of the County Standings

#1 San Diego Mesa 🏆 3-0

#2 Palomar 1-2

#3 Grossmont 1-2

#4 Southwestern 0-2

College Football: Aztecs Struggle in Berkeley, Local JuCos victorious

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO MESA 12, Cerritos 8

San Diego Mesa emerged victorious in a close contest against Cerritos (0-1). The game remained scoreless until the third quarter when the Olympians (2-0) took a 3-0 lead with a field goal. The fourth quarter saw a flurry of action, with San Diego Mesa extending their lead to 5-0 via a safety. Cerritos then surged ahead 8-5 thanks to a 33-yard touchdown pass from Evan Tomich to Isaiah Blair, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

However, San Diego Mesa had the final say, clinching the win with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch) to Santiago Salas (Mission Hills). Despite Cerritos outgaining San Diego Mesa in total offense (312 yards to 166 yards), San Diego Mesa's defense proved crucial, recording 13 tackles for loss. Evan Tomich of Cerritos had a strong showing, completing 23 of 39 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown, with Isaiah Blair being his primary target, catching 6 passes for 128 yards and a score.

PALOMAR 14, El Camino 10

In a defensive battle, the Palomar Comets (1-1) edged out a win over the El Camino Warriors (1-1). Former San Marcos High standout Mason Thomas set the tone early for Palomar with a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown. El Camino quickly responded with a two-yard rushing score by Azeon Nelson. The teams traded scores in the second quarter, with El Camino taking a brief 10-7 lead on a field goal before Lincoln High alum KJ Chatham connected with Skai Donnell on a 66-yard touchdown pass to regain the advantage. The Comets' defense held strong throughout the second half, with key contributions from Steven Arteaga, who had 19 tackles, and Isaiah Strong, who added 14. Despite El Camino outgaining Palomar in total yardage, the defense kept El Camino off the board in the second half to secure the victory.

GROSSMONT 24, Antelope Valley 12

The Grossmont Griffins (1-1) claimed its first win of the season with a victory over Antelope Valley (0-2), led by St. Augustine alum Isaiah Pressley’s dynamic performance. Pressley opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and later added a four-yard rushing score in the second quarter. Grossmont built a 21-0 lead by halftime with help from a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Green to Shjon Mosser. Antelope Valley fought back with two touchdown passes, including a 36-yard strike to Jacob Lopez, but Grossmont’s defense held firm, with Lincoln High alum Adrien Chargaloff securing an interception. Camden Vance’s third-quarter field goal sealed the game, as Grossmont’s defense notched seven sacks and forced four turnovers.

The game between Southwestern and San Bernardino Valley was postponed due to wildfire health concerns.

California 31, SAN DIEGO STATE 10

The San Diego State Aztecs (1-2) fell to California (3-0) at Memorial Stadium, with the Golden Bears' dominant offense and efficient defense proving too much for the Aztecs. Freshman quarterback Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson made his first career start for SDSU, completing 13-of-29 passes for 156 yards, including his first career touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Cal capitalized early, putting up a first-quarter touchdown and never relinquishing the lead.

Marquez Cooper led the Aztecs’ rushing attack with 87 yards on 22 carries, bringing his season total to 363 yards. Despite a strong defensive effort by SDSU, which recorded six sacks, Cal's offense, combined with two key interceptions and a late surge, sealed the game. Jordan Napier provided a highlight for the Aztecs with a 53-yard touchdown catch in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as California cruised to a comfortable victory.

College Football: Toreros Surge to 2-0, Aztecs Shutout by Oregon State, JuCo Season Kicks Off

SAN DIEGO 26, Central Washington 7

The University of San Diego Toreros improved to 2-0 for the first time in a full season since 2011 with a 26-7 win over Division II Central Washington (0-1) at Torero Stadium. Quarterback Grant Sergent led the Toreros’ offense with three passing touchdowns, connecting with Ja’Seem Reed, Cole Monach, and Lincoln High alum Kenyon Sims. Sergent threw for 231 yards, while Sims added 89 all-purpose yards and a 28-yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring.

"It feels great — a great team win overall," Reed said. "This is huge for the program."

After Central Washington briefly took a 7-6 lead, USD regained control with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Monach, sending them into halftime with a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The third quarter saw a game-changing moment as defensive lineman Jae’Von Reels intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six.

"After I caught the ball, I don’t even remember everything," Reels recalled. "I just started running and hoping I get to the end zone." 

"Linemen can dream about that, I’ve always dreamed about that. It just happened today."

USD’s defense dominated the second half, shutting down Central Washington and holding them scoreless after their early touchdown. Giovanni Iovino recorded 13 tackles, helping to stifle any attempt at a comeback. 

Reed capped off the scoring with a 24-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, as USD cruised to victory. "We knew we had them; we just had to execute," said Reed, emphasizing the team’s preparation and focus throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Toreros will enjoy a bye week before traveling to North Dakota to take on the Fighting Hawks on September 21.

San Diego Mesa ends season with a dominate win in the Strawberry Bowl

Santa Maria, CA - The San Diego Mesa Olympians (7-4) held off a second half rally to defeat the Allan Hancock Bulldogs (7-4) 42-20 in the 2023 SCFA Strawberry Bowl on Tuesday evening.
Mesa got on the board first with a two-yard touchdown run from Tavian Tate in the first quarter. They then extended the lead to 14-0 later in the first when Jordin Young returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, Olympians' quarterback James Odom connected with Danny Davis for a six-yard score. The Grossmont High alum also had a rushing touchdown in the quarter as Mesa opened up a 28-0 lead.

College Football: Toreros Defense Sparks Road Win, SDSU stunned in OT

CLINTON, SC — The University of San Diego Toreros (3-6, 3-3 PFL) utilized a strong defensive effort to earn its third Pioneer Football League win of 2023, taking down the Presbyterian Blue Hose 23-13 at Bailey Memorial Stadium Saturday morning.

The Toreros' defense dominated all game, recording 10 tackles for losses and five sacks while recovering two fumbles and grabbing two interceptions. Cornerback Zamir Wallace had a standout performance, forcing two late turnovers that halted Presbyterian drives, including a fumble recovery and a clutch pick-six to seal the win.

Weekend Recap: Undefeated Prep Teams Suffer Defeats; Tough Saturday for San Diego Collegiate Football

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Bishop's (1-3) no longer carries a winless record, as they handed the Mount Miguel Matadors (4-1) their first loss of the 2023 season. Cash Herrera's late fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Ian Brown sealed the victory for the Knights at 24-13.

The Mission Bay Buccaneers (4-1) are also no longer undefeated after a competitive outing against the La Jolla Vikings (3-2) resulted in a 14-7 loss. The game started with a touchdown pass from Charlie Hutchison to Robbie Page in the back of the end zone, giving the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. However, the Vikings rallied, putting up 14 unanswered points to secure the victory and put an end to their two-game losing streak. Aiden McGill contributed with 14 carries for 84 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 7-7 going into halftime. Jackson Deil, who had returned from an injury that kept him out of the previous game, made a crucial connection with Nick Sebro for a 26-yard pass, sealing the game with the winning touchdown.

 

Kevin Allen III had an outstanding performance with 32 carries, amassing 212 yards and scoring three touchdowns, securing a crucial win for No. 4 Helix (5-0) against No. 6 Cathedral Catholic (1-4).

Former Bishop's quarterback Tyler Buchner made his debut start for Alabama after transferring from Notre Dame in the offseason. He completed five of 14 passes for 34 yards during the No. 10 Crimson Tide's 17-3 victory over South Florida.

Former Torrey Pines quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, now leading as QB1 for Colorado State, completed 34 of 47 passes for 367 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. His efforts weren't enough as his Rams fell short in a thrilling 43-35 overtime loss to No. 18 Colorado.

Week 5 Media Poll Results

#1 Lincoln (5-0) - Def. Cajon (San Bernardino, CA) 34-0

#2 Carlsbad (5-0) - Def. Ramona 38-7

#3 Granite Hills (4-0) - Def. Central 34-6

#4 Helix (5-0) - Def. #6 Cathedral Catholic 35-21

#5 Mission Hills (4-1) - Def. San Marcos 35-7

#6 Cathedral Catholic (1-4) - Loss to #5 Helix 21-35

#7 Madison (2-2) - Bye

#8 La Costa Canyon (4-1) - Def. Fallbrook 49-7

#9 El Camino (4-1) - Def. Mt. Carmel 69-6

#10 St. Augustine (3-2) - Def. Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, CA) 32-30