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.
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.
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.
The Southwestern Jaguars (6-0, 3-0) are the undisputed kings of San Diego County Juco football after a hard-fought 38-24 victory over the Palomar Comets (1-5, 0-3). The win keeps the Jaguars' perfect season alive and officially secures them the bragging rights as the top team in the county. Freshman running back Caleb Blocker was the star of the show, rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns, including a decisive 63-yard breakaway in the fourth quarter to squash Palomar's comeback hopes. Southwestern quarterback Ty McCutcheon managed the game effectively, completing 22 of 31 passes for 280 yards and adding a one-yard rushing TD. Tyler Becker was his top target, catching five passes for 93 yards. Linebacker Carson Curtis anchored the defense with nine total tackles and two sacks. Comets running back Chris Bausch (Fallbrook) fought hard in the loss, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown while also catching a five-yard pass for a touchdown.
After taking a 14-7 lead into halftime, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (2-4, 1-2) were shut out in the second half, falling to El Camino 28-14. Madison High alum Mike Porter led the ground attack with 74 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Aleonte Logan (Morse) was another bright spot on offense, catching four passes for 80 yards. Linebacker Cooper Mau (La Costa Canyon) led the Olympian defense with six solo tackles.
In a defensive battle, the Grossmont Griffins (4-2, 0-1) came up just short in their conference opener, losing 14-13 to West LA. The Griffins had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion with 1:45 left, but the pass failed, preserving the narrow lead for West LA. Quarterback Melvin Spicer IV threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Devin Caminong (31 yards) and Lincoln High alum Ayden Billups (10 yards). The defense was led by Lincoln alum Adrien Charqualaf (9 tackles, 2 TFLs) and Yasir Blair (6 tackles, 1 sack).
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
Southwestern secures 2025 "Kings of the County" Title
The Southwestern Jaguars (6-0, 3-0) are the undisputed kings of San Diego County Juco football after a hard-fought 38-24 victory over the Palomar Comets (1-5, 0-3). The win keeps the Jaguars' perfect season alive and officially secures them the bragging rights as the top team in the county. Freshman running back Caleb Blocker was the star of the show, rushing for 124 yards and three touchdowns, including a decisive 63-yard breakaway in the fourth quarter to squash Palomar's comeback hopes. Southwestern quarterback Ty McCutcheon managed the game effectively, completing 22 of 31 passes for 280 yards and adding a one-yard rushing TD. Tyler Becker was his top target, catching five passes for 93 yards. Linebacker Carson Curtis anchored the defense with nine total tackles and two sacks. Comets running back Chris Bausch (Fallbrook) fought hard in the loss, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown while also catching a five-yard pass for a touchdown.
Southwestern's Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. Riverside
Palomar's Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 18 at El Camino
Mesa Falls to El Camino, Drops Second Straight
After taking a 14-7 lead into halftime, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (2-4, 1-2) were shut out in the second half, falling to El Camino 28-14. Madison High alum Mike Porter led the ground attack with 74 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Aleonte Logan (Morse) was another bright spot on offense, catching four passes for 80 yards. Linebacker Cooper Mau (La Costa Canyon) led the Olympian defense with six solo tackles.
Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 18 at Saddleback
Grossmont Edged by West LA in Conference Opener
In a defensive battle, the Grossmont Griffins (4-2, 0-1) came up just short in their conference opener, losing 14-13 to West LA. The Griffins had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion with 1:45 left, but the pass failed, preserving the narrow lead for West LA. Quarterback Melvin Spicer IV threw for 297 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Devin Caminong (31 yards) and Lincoln High alum Ayden Billups (10 yards). The defense was led by Lincoln alum Adrien Charqualaf (9 tackles, 2 TFLs) and Yasir Blair (6 tackles, 1 sack).
Next Game: Saturday, Oct. 18 at LA Pierce
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