The Deep Dive: San Diego College 🏈 (Sept. 5)
Mental toughness was the defining characteristic at Merrill Douglas Stadium as the San Diego Mesa Olympians (2-0) secured a thrilling walk-off victory over Mt. San Antonio (1-1).
Quarterback Diesel Taylor, who threw for 272 yards on the evening, moved the chains with precision, repeatedly finding receiver Colin McCann who put up 141 receiving yards on eight catches. With the game on the line, kicker Lorenzo Flores drilled a 42-yard field goal at the buzzer to seal the win.
San Diego State Crushes Portland State in Season Opener, 53-20
The "Aztec Fast" philosophy reached its highest gear yet at Snapdragon Stadium, as the San Diego State Aztecs (1-0) dismantled Portland State (0-2) Saturday night. Head Coach Sean Lewis’s vision was realized through total dominance across all three phases, scoring the most points by any football team in the stadium's history. After two field goals by Helix alum Joshua Hossmann Lees gave the Vikings an early 6-0 lead, the Aztecs leaned on a relentless pace.
The victory was anchored by a devastating ground game that churned out 237 rushing yards. Cathedral Catholic alum Lucky Sutton acted as the primary engine putting up three rushing touchdowns (1, 13, and 5 yards).
The Aztecs' special teams units were equally productive, providing the aggressive "third-phase" spark that neutralized any hope of a Viking comeback. Jaylon Hawkins electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, while the punt-block unit got to the ball twice. Jelani McLaughlin’s block set the Aztecs up at the one-yard line for Sutton’s first score, and Oberhiri Eyafe’s later block handed the offense a short field at the PSU 30, which Sutton again converted into six points.
Next week the Aztecs visit the Rose Bowl to face UCLA.
Southwestern retains County Crown, Overwhelms Grossmont, 52-10
At the newly revamped DeVore Stadium, the Southwestern Jaguars (2-0) orchestrated an offensive clinic in a victory over the Grossmont Griffins (1-1).
Quarterback Dominic Duran was surgical, completing 19 of 24 passes for 434 yards and five touchdowns. Duran’s ability to stretch the field—highlighted by an 80-yard strike and a 55-yard touchdown to Bobby Cameron—fueled a Jaguar offense that amassed 603 total yards and averaged 10.2 yards per play.
Kylan Studebaker recorded a 29-yard pick-six during the second-quarter surge, while Myles Norman put up Grossmont's only touchdown of the game with a 90-yard kickoff return.
Palomar Shuts Down East Los Angeles, 26-7
While other programs focused on offensive fireworks, Palomar College offered a masterclass in the strategic value of an "Elite Front Seven." In a 26-7 victory over East Los Angeles, the Comets dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, using a suffocating defensive front to dismantle the Vikings' rhythm.
The performance of Mission Hills alum Jonathan Class was a masterclass in individual disruption. Class finished the evening with nine tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His ability to live in the ELAC backfield forced the Vikings into negative plays and desperate situations throughout the night.
Palomar’s defensive dominance translated directly to the scoreboard; beyond the six sacks recorded by the unit, the Comets also forced a safety in the second quarter. While the Palomar offense contributed 365 total yards and touchdowns from quarterback Noah Schuback (Poway) and Maurice Howard, the story of the night was a defensive unit that looks like one of the most physically imposing groups in the state.
No. 6 UC Davis Powers Past USD, 49-17
The University of San Diego Toreros (0-1) faced a daunting hurdle on Saturday, hosting No. 6 UC Davis Aggies (2-0) in the Brian Fogarty Classic to open the 2026 season.
The game turned on a second-quarter surge where UC Davis hung 28 points on the board. The Aggies' offense was led by Treynor Cleeland’s five touchdown passes and Samuel Gbatu Jr.’s 129 receiving yards.
The Toreros' defensive unit showed flashes of the resilience that will be needed in Pioneer Football League play. Safety Ruben Lopez provided a red-zone interception to stop what looked like a sure scoring drive. Next week USD hits the road to take on Idaho State in the second of three straight non-league games against FCS scholarship teams. The Bengals are coming off a win over Utah State.
Standout Performers of the Week:
Jonathan Class (Palomar): 9 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, 1 FF — The former Mission Hills standout played a key role in disrupting ELAC’s offensive game plan.
Dominic Duran (Southwestern): 434 passing yards, 5 TDs — Duran’s efficiency (19-24 passing) led an explosive Jaguars unit that averaged 10.2 yards per play.
Lorenzo Flores (San Diego Mesa): 42-yard game-winning Field Goal — Flores demonstrated immense poise by hitting the buzzer-beater for a signature win.
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