Griffins deliver Mitchell first win

ECS staff report

FLETCHER HILLS – Buoyed by another solid defensive effort that forced 8 turnovers — the school’s best total since capturing the state championship in 2005 — the Grossmont College football snapped several undesirable streaks after toppling visiting Antelope Valley College, 24-12, Saturday (Sept. 14) in non-conference action.

The Griffins (1-1 overall) snapped a 13-game on-field losing streak, winning for the first time at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field in almost two years.

The previous home-field victory came on Sept. 27, 2022, when the G-House stopped Orange Coast, 31-26.

Mason Mitchell

The victory by the Griffins gave first-year head coach Mason Mitchell his first head coaching victory.

The defense nearly posted a first-half shutout, as the Marauders finally scored in the closing minutes to make a small dent into the Griffins’ 21-0 lead.

Otherwise, AVC collected just 293 yards in total offense, as Grossmont recovered four fumbles and intercepted four passes.

Leading the way was defensive back Titus Toilolo (Madison) with two thefts, including one return of 28 yards to set up a touchdown.

Also registering interceptions were a pair of freshman D-backs from Lincoln: Raylon Logan (33 yards) and Adrien Chargualaf.

The fumble recoveries all were recorded by alums from Helix High. Linebacker Jirah Savaiinaea, who was the club’s leading tackler, along with Ezriel Noa, Jordan Gash and a team recovery.

The Griffins started quickly when  Isaiah Pressley (St. Augustine) took the opening kickoff and raced 98 yards for a touchdown just 14 seconds into the game.

The runback by Pressley ties for the second-longest kick return in school history. The record is 100-yard set in the school’s state title season.

Grossmont then scored on its initial offensive possession (with snaps) when Shjon Mosser (Fort Collins, Colo.)  collected a 12-yard scoring pass from Jaden Green (San Diego HS) just 4:35 into the second quarter.

And when Pressley rushed 4 yards for his second TD, it was 21-0 with just 5:43 expired in the second quarter.

Grossmont’s other score came on a 27-yard field goal by amden Vance (Granite Hills) in the third quarter to extend the margin to 24-6.

Grossmont finished with 294 yards — a touch fewer than AVC (0-2) — led by 62 yards on five rushes by Jaden Green. However, excellent field position on the turnovers kept the Griffins in control all afternoon.

Pressley also had six receptions for 91 yards, while also carrying 13 times for 18 yards.

Next week, Grossmont travels to Glendora, meeting former conference rival Citrus for a 6 p.m. kickoff.