Comets can’t hold off Tigers

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 1, 2023

2023 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

ECS staff report

CHULA VISTA — Following a string of three consecutive conference championships by Southwestern College (2015-17), the Jaguars program has been suffering through a free fall.

The results have been especially tough this decade, falling to 5-20 (.200) after receiving a spanking from visiting Saddleback, 53-3, Saturday (Sept. 23) at DeVore Stadium. It was the National Conference opener for both schools.

By halftimes, the Bobcats from Mission Viejo owned a 37-0 cushion, playing their reserves throughout the second half.

The lone Southwestern score was a third-quarter field goal of 34 yards by Luis Lopez. However,th Jags were in no hurry to score, falling short of the goal line on a 14-play drive covering a mere 49 yards to avoid the shutout.

The Jags passed for just 101 yards, rushed for 57, and earned just a dozen first downs (plus 3 more by penalty).

Saddleback (1-3 overall, 1-0 conference) saw quarterback Trey Kukuk throw for four touchdowns on just eight completions before hitting the bench.

The 50-point margin by the Bobcats was the largest setback for winless SWC (0-5, 0-1 conference) since Grossmont won, 45-7, in 2018. Before that, it was a 2009 season-opening loss to Palmar, 55-0.

SAN DIEGO MESA 42, GROSSMONT 3

EL CAJON — Grossmont and Southwestern remain on course for the regular season finale. If SWC should win, it would Grossmont the embassarrment of a winless season since the 1990s, when the old team at San Diego City College once beat the Griffins before shutting down the program four years later on a 33-game losing streak.

RIVERSIDE 45, PALOMAR 44

Escondido — The world of SCFA Football also flipped 180 degrees when the Palomar College Comets took a double-digit, second-half lead on nationally ranked Riverside.

However, the unbeaten Tigers moved to 4-0 by nipping the Comets in the final minutes, 45-44, Saturday (Sept. 23) at Escondido High Stadium in the ballclubs’ National Conference opener.

Meanwhile, the hopes of Fullerton and San Diego Mesa were derailed by the rally, as the South Division’s top four clubs all won.

Palomar entered the final quarter with a 41-31 lead but was held to a field goal instead of a touchdown, leaving the door open just enough for Riverside.

The Tigers answered with two TDs over 101 seconds, including the go-ahead tally with 6:P25, taking advantage of the Comet’s fumble to an easy 25-yard, go-ahead drive on just four plays.