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
