Comets control Jags; Olympians take L.A.

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 19, 2021

2021 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

PALOMAR 26, SOUTHWESTERN 7

EastCountySports.com

CHULA VISTA – Palomar College powerhouse running back Tawee Walker rushed for 154 yards and two touchdowns to help lift the Comets over the host Southwestern College Jaguars in a matchup of San Diego County Community College football teams on Saturday night at DeVore Stadium.

Walker, who is nearly as swift as he is powerful, bashed and slashed for his two scores,

He fell over backward on the goal line in an opening drive score to put the Comets on top just two and a half minutes into the game.

The big play was a back-shoulder reception down the left sideline inside the 5 by Brandon Johnson, who also had a touchdown reception in the game on a diving slant in the end zone with 11:30 left in the third quarter to make it 23-7.

Palomar quarterback Zeke Payne passed for 170 plus the two scores.

Southwestern had its third starting quarterback in three weeks in this one as Brandon Smith got the start.

After playing in the second half last week, he played the first half on Saturday, as well as, the first half of the third quarter, going 9-for-18 for 72 yards.

Jimmy Inman played the majority second half at quarterback for the Jags, and he went 6-for-16 for 83 yards.

Both SWC quarterbacks threw interceptions.

The Jaguars answered the opening score with a scoring drive of their own as this one had intrigue throughout the first half.

Smith tossed an option pitch to Albert Robinson at the last possible second to the right side and Robison somersaulted over the right pylon for the touchdown.

The Comets got a field goal to extend the lead to 10-7 by Brandon Ogles. Ogles had a second field goal in the third quarter.

Palomar scored a heartbreaking touchdown from Southwestern’s point-of-view with just under eight minutes left in the first half.

With the crowd on both sides rising to their feet and the teams obviously in the moment as the ball rested just on the Comet side of the 50, Palomar botched the snap, but the wall was alertly picked up off the ground by Walker, who bolted to the outside with the lines seemingly ready for a dive play, resulting in a 50-yard touchdown run.

The Jaguars should’ve had a momentum-swinging turnover on downs, but the play stunningly resulted in six points for Palomar.

Matthew Elliot had a sack for Southwestern.

Donnell Frazier Jr. had three pass breakups for the Jags.

Christian Jourdain had 50 yards receiving on four catches to lead the Jags. Jourdain has been the team’s most valuable player after three games this season.

Southwestern rushed for 81 yards on 31 carries.

Palomar registered five sacks, including one from Palomar leading tackler Khalid Walker (7 solo).

The Comet interceptions – both in the second half – were by Ricky Davis Jr. and Kris Sanchez.

Luke Manos had three tackles for loss for the Comets.

Leo Larry had a fumble recovery in the third quarter for Southwestern.

@PalomarFootball 🔥🔥 Game Was INSANE | Palomar (CA) vs Southwestern (CA) College Football @ScottCatlinMMA https://t.co/yuYtEvuf3r pic.twitter.com/C5JCgim47f

— Tʜᴇ sᴘᴏʀᴛs ᴄʀᴇᴡ (@TSCSports) September 21, 2021

SAN DIEGO MESA 37, EAST L.A. 23

KEARNY MESA —- With the offense starring in the first half, then the defense taking the spotlight in the second half, San Diego Mesa College is now the “king of Los Angeles.”

After earlier whipping previously unbeaten West L.A. to open the season, the Olympians jumped early to down East L.A., 37-23, Saturday (Sept. 18) at Merrill Douglas Stadium.

Mesa (2-1 overall) registered touchdowns on five of its first five drives, mounting a quick 35-17 advantage. The Olympians’ defense then took over, limiting the visiting Huskies to just a pair of second-half field goals and registered a safety in the convincing victory.

Olys quarterback Gunner Gray fired a pair of early touchdown passes, then ran for another score to mount a 28-17 lead. The margin then expanded to 37-20 on safety and Gray’s third TD pass.

The safety came early in the fourth when a snap to Huskies punter Cristian Reyes was mishandled while in the end zone. On the ensuing free kick, Mesa’s Timieion Jackson raced 24 yards on the runback, setting up a short 44-yard drive.

Gray completed 18-of-32 passes for 259 yards, including a pair of scores to Antwoine Sullivan (3 catches, 100 yards), covering 6 and 31 yards. The air also had a 63-yard connection. Jackson also hauled in a 29-yarder for six.

On defense, Michael Harkins recorded an interception, while the leader in stops included Kuino Makihele (9 tackles, 8 solos) and Jonathan Vega (6 tackles, all solo).

Interestingly, ELAC gained more yardage, 405-to-292, yet did not allow a sack and only had a single turnover. However, the Huskies needed to settle for three field goals by Reyes (47, 36, and 29 yards).

Both ballclubs are 2-1 overall.

SUMMARY
OLYMPIANS 37, HUSKIES 23
East L.A. (2-1).. 3 14 3 3 – 23
S,D, Mesa (2-1).. 14 14 0 9 – 37

SDM – Sullivan 6 pass from Gray (Camacho kick)
ELA – FG Reyes 47

SDM – Butler 1 run (Camacho kick)
ELA – McCarthy 51 pass from R.Garcia.

SDM – Jackson 29 pass from Gray (Camacho kick)
ELA – R.Garcia 8 run (Reyes kick)
SDM – Gray 1 run (Camacho kick)
ELA – FG Reyes 36
SDM – Safety, Reyes fumbled ball out of end zone
SDM – Sullivan 31 pass from Gray (Camacho kick)
ELA – FG Reyes 29