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 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.

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

Top Storylines

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

Weekend Recap: Lincoln and Mount Miguel continues to roll, while Aztecs and Toreros suffer losses

Lincoln overcomes slow start, cruises past Mater Dei
Akili Smith Jr. tossed three touchdown passes to three different receivers and ran one in himself as the No. 1 ranked Lincoln Hornets (4-0) rolled to a 54-19 win over the Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders (0-3). Donald Reed III led the Hornets' rushing attack with 125 yards and two scores, while Jerome Roberts made a game-changing impact with a 50-yard fumble return touchdown and a sack to help Lincoln secure its 16th straight win. For the Crusaders, Isaiah Buxton caught a 69-yard touchdown bomb from Kartell Purvis that gave Mater Dei a 13-7 lead early in the second quarter. The Arizona-bound athlete also recorded an interception on defense.

Mount Miguel puts up a team-record 66 points at Grossmont
In a matchup between teams with first-year head coaches, the No. 15 Mount Miguel Matadors (4-0) added another dominant performance to their season with a 66-20 victory over the Grossmont Foothillers (2-2). Senior quarterback Matthew Barton was named the MVP of the game after recording four touchdown passes. Senior Davian Mcgowan rushed for over 150 yards and three end zone trips, while Jeremiah Castillo put up 228 all-purpose yards and scored three times (2 RECs & 1 Punt Return). Freshman Delontay Williams made plays on both sides of the ball, putting up a touchdown catch and a pick-six.
Week 4 Media Poll Results
#1 Lincoln (4-0) - Def. Mater Dei Catholic 54-19#2 Carlsbad (4-0) - Def. Casteel (AZ) 49-9#3 Granite Hills (3-0) - Def. Eastlake 35-7#4 Helix (4-0) - Def. #5 Madison 53-19#5 Madison (2-2) - Loss to #4 Helix 19-53#6 Cathedral Catholic (1-3) - Loss to St. Ignatius (San Francisco) 28-35#7 Mission Hills (3-1) - Def. Orange Vista (Perris) 41-12#8 St. Augustine (2-2) - Loss to Notre Dame Prep (AZ) 14-35#9 La Costa Canyon (3-1) - Def. Mira Mesa 38-7#10 El Camino (2-1) - Bye#11 San Marcos (3-1) - Loss to Torrey Pines 7-27#12 El Capitan (3-1) - Loss to Steele Canyon 6-42#13 Ramona (2-1) - Loss to Poway 34-35#14 Mater Dei Catholic (0-3) - Loss to #1 Lincoln 19-54#15 Mount Miguel (4-0) - Def. Grossmont 66-20

SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT - Week 1

Our Senior Publisher joins Ramon Scott of EastCountySports.com to review and preview this week's action in San Diego Community College football.

2023 San Diego JuCo Preseason Rankings

These rankings are based on how the four San Diego County teams fare against each other. 

State polls and results against programs outside of the county do not determine this list.

Saturday Games (Sept. 2nd)

East Los Angeles @ GROSSMONT, 3pm

PALOMAR @ Moorpark, 6pm

SAN DIEGO MESA @ San Bernardino Valley, 6pm

SOUTHWESTERN @ El Camino, 6pm

San Diego College Football Saturday Recap

Toreros earn revenge win over Davidson

The University of San Diego Toreros (4-5, 3-3 PFL) knocked off defending PFL champion Davidson (7-3, 5-2 PFL) 31-14 in their final home game of the 2022 season, avenging two straight losses in the previous meetings. Graduate quarterback Judd Erickson completed 22-of-30 passes for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. All-purpose threat Re-al Mitchell rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, including a 75-yard scramble in the first quarter. Mitchell also added five catches for 60 yards, totaling 187 yards on the day. The Torero defense forced four turnover on downs in the red zone, while fifth-year senior safety Hunter Nichols led the team with 12 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss and a key interception near the goal line to prevent a touchdown. Next weekend, San Diego will travel to Morehead State looking to close out the 2022 season on a positive note. The Toreros lead the all-time series 14-0, including a 10-3 victory last year.

Aztecs overcome a slow start and knock off San Jose State

After defeating San José State (6-3, 4-2 MWC) 43-27 at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State (6-4, 4-2 MWC) earned bowl eligibility for the 13th straight season. Jordan Bryd ignited a 38-0 run by returning a kickoff 95 yards to the endzone after the Spartans had taken a 14-0 lead. Senior receiver Tyrell Shavers caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Mayden to put the Aztecs ahead 17-14 with 12:15 remaining in the first half. Mayden connected with sophomore Mekhi Shaw (Scripps Ranch) and senior Jesse Matthews (Patrick Henry) on touchdown passes that put SDSU further ahead 31-14 with 9:40 remaining in the third quarter. In the end, Mayden completed 17 of his 22 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Shavers had four catches for 111 yards and a score.

San Diego Mesa blowout Southwestern 68-23 to end the regular season

In the junior college ranks, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (6-4) celebrated Sophomore Day by dropping 68 points on county rival Southwestern (1-9) to end their regular season schedule. Daniel Latanca sparked an offensive explosion for Mesa by rushing for 148 yards and two scores, while University City alum Gunnar Gray completed 19 of 29 passes for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns. Palomar lost to El Camino 52-24 at Escondido High, dropping their record to 5-5. Bowl Game bids will be announced on November 20th.

San Diego JuCo Football Live

El Camino (4-5) at PALOMAR (5-4)

SOUTHWESTERN (1-8) at SAN DIEGO MESA (5-4)

2022 San Diego JuCo Mid-Season Rankings

These rankings are based on how the four San Diego County teams fare against each other. 

State polls and results against programs outside of the county do not determine this list.

Dominance has been restored 💫 pic.twitter.com/kPlotCvDdE

— Palomar Athletics (@PmarAthletics) October 2, 2022

#1 Palomar Comets (4-1)

Dethrones San Diego Mesa after stunning them in overtime last Saturday.

#2 San Diego Mesa Olympians (3-2)

Mesa's winning streak against San Diego opponents ends at 7.

#3 Grossmont Griffins (2-3)

1-3 since defeating Southwestern in Week 1.

#4 Southwestern Jaguars (0-5)

Still seeking first win under new head coach.

2022 San Diego County Games

September 3rd

Grossmont 41, Southwestern 31

September 17th

Palomar 17, Southwestern 0

October 1st

Palomar 18, San Diego Mesa 17 OT

November 12th

Southwestern at San Diego Mesa, 6pm

Previous Meeting: San Diego Mesa 35, Southwestern 29 (Nov. 13, 2021)

2022 San Diego JuCo Preseason Rankings

These rankings are based on how the four San Diego County teams fare against each other. State polls and results against programs outside of the county do not determine this list.

#1 San Diego Mesa Olympians (7-4)

Has not lost to a San Diego opponent since 2018 (7-game streak).

#2 Palomar Comets (6-5)

Ranked #14 in the final 2021 JCAB State Poll (Highest in SD).

#3 Southwestern Jaguars (3-7)

A new era begins after 15-year head coach Ed Carberry retires.

#4 Grossmont Griffins (7-3)

10-game losing streak against San Diego opponents.

2022 San Diego County Games

September 3rd

Grossmont at Southwestern, 6pm

Previous Meeting: Southwestern 10, Grossmont 7 (Sept. 4, 2021)

September 17th

Southwestern at Palomar, 6pm

Previous Meeting: Palomar 26, Southwestern 7 (Sept. 18, 2021)

October 1st

Palomar at San Diego Mesa, 6pm

Previous Meeting: San Diego Mesa 31, Palomar 27 (Oct. 2, 2021)

November 12th

Southwestern at San Diego Mesa, 6pm

Previous Meeting: San Diego Mesa 35, Southwestern 29 (Nov. 13, 2021)

JuCo Rankings: #1 San Diego Mesa lands #7 in state rankings

Following a 31-14 win over Saddleback College, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (5-1) were voted the seventh-ranked team in the state according to both the CCCSIA and JC Athletic Bureau Coaches Poll.

Grossmont (4-2) entered the season No. 4 in the county but is now in the No. 2 spot coming off a 24-19 win over Pasadena City.

Palomar (2-4) stays at No. 3, while Southwestern (2-3) drops to the dreaded fourth spot. Both teams are looking to bounce back from tough losses.

Updated rankings! #BALLIN #Something2Prove #NextLevelProgram #undeniable @BallCoachGW @sdmesaathletics @EC_Preps_SD @sdfootball @scfafootball @JuCoFootballACE @JuCoFBN @SanSpotlight @Daygofootball @KUSIPPR pic.twitter.com/OyXMSDRSFr

— OLYMPIANS (@SDmesafootball) October 20, 2021

Next Saturday 10/23:

#1 San Diego Mesa at San Bernardino Valley

#2 Grossmont at Victory Valley

#3 Palomar vs. Chaffey

#4 Southwestern vs. Fullerton