Disrespected Griffins’ only concern is sixth-ranked Rustlers

By Bill Dickens
Updated: September 26, 2015

Grossmont College wide receiver Christian Brooks, of El Cajon

2015 GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

No. 6 Golden West (3-0) at No. 15 Grossmont (2-1)

Saturday, 3 p.m. at Mashin-Roth Field

Webcast: click here

By Bill Dickens

© East County Sports.com

EL CAJON (9-25-15) — After suffering a frustrating 2-point loss to No. 1 ranked Riverside City College, the Grossmont College Griffins must wonder how they dropped from No. 12 to No. 15 in the California Community College football coaches poll.

“We don’t worry about the polls,” said Griffins receiver CHRISTIAN BROOKS, who leads the team with 13 catches. “We’re more focused on winning game to game in our (National Southern) conference.

The conference season opens on Saturday (Sept. 26) when the Griffins host No. 6 Golden West (3-0) at Mashin-Roth Field at 3 p.m.

Brooks believes playing at home for the second time in four games will be an advantage for the Griffins.

“We know our field,” he said, “and we understand the atmosphere that comes with it.”

Without doubt Brooks is one of the team leaders.

“I don’t go around yelling,” he said. “In fact I don’t do much talking or giving emotional talks. I do what I can on the field as an example to the others and that way I try to motivate the guys.”

Grossmont’s dual quarterbacks TOMMY PISTONE (38-72, 479, 4 TDs) and MICHAEL CARRILLO (24-40, 258, 3 TDs) will lead a Griffin assault that averages 44 points per game.

SERGIO BAILEY, who has been one of the Griffins deep threats, is averaging 14.2 yards on 11 catches with a team-best 3 touchdowns through the air.

THOMAS McDONALD leads Grossmont’s ground forces with 276 yards and 3 touchdowns on 33 carries.

NEHEMIAH BROWN, who is expected to be back in the lineup after missing the Riverside game, is averaging 11.3 yards on 12 carries and 2 TDs.

Running back JAMARCUS FEDERICK has also scored 3 touchdowns for the Griffs.

Two-time conference Player of the Week linebacker NICK GALATIS anchors the Grossmont defense.

Secondary stalwart DEVAUGHN MURRAY has picked off 3 passes to solidify the Griffins’ pass defense.

“We’re fired up,” Brooks said. “We know what these games mean in the overall picture.”

Golden West, which is averaging 36.7 ppg, is led by quarterback Adam Vance, who has completed 42 of 67 passes for 643 yards and 5 touchdowns. His top receivers are Jordan Veasy (16-287, 3 TDs) and Quest Truxton (12-205, 3 TDs). Josh Vizkaya (40-171, 3 TDs) heads up the ground game.

Griffin Graffiti – Golden West leads the all-time series 6-1, including a 41-6 victory over the Griffins last year . . . the Griffins arrested the Rustlers 26-21 in 2012 for their lone conquest of the Huntington Beach crew . . . Golden West has reeled off victories this season over Citrus 29-22, Bakersfield 33-7 and L.A. Harbor 48-22, which has earned them a No. 6 ranking in the state poll . . . for those wishing to listen to Saturday’s game, go to “SCFA.com” on Google, select “Teams,” scroll down to “Golden West at Grossmont – 3 p.m.,” click on “Audio” then “Listen/Watch” with Windows Media Player (or click here).