ROUNDUP: Huskies humble Griffins

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: September 8, 2024

2024 GROSSMONT COLLEGE FOOTBALL

ECS staff report

MONTEREY PARK – Following more a half-century with the Jordan family’s association with Grossmont College football, former defensive coordinator Mason Mitchell has taken over the reins of the Griffins.

While “Coach M” and his defense looked as good as ever, the offense still needs to re-boot from its state championship form under the Jordans of 2005.

Still in Saturday’s (Sept. 7) season opener by only trailing 14-7 through three quarters, East L.A. scored 20 points in the final period — twice on interceptions returns — to take a 34-7 decision.

Mason Mitchell

The Huskies led 13-0 just 11 minutes into the contest, but the Griffins came back when quarterback Matt Barton (Mount Miguel) found sophomore Karlos Jimenez on a 25-yard strike.

The 37-yard scoring drive was set up on a 28-yard punt return by Jimenez (Chula Vista HS).

However, a final count of 177 yards in total offense won’t cut it in the current offensive fireworks of college football at all levels. Barton and Barick combined for five interceptions.

Conversely, Griffins defender Christian Boykins (Christian High) registered a pass theft, while Keanu Pettiford (Steele Canyon) posted a forced fumble and recovery.

The leading tackler was Jirah Savaiinaea (Helix) with nine stops.

The Huskies’ Timmy Fleishood Jr. had two interception returns for touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Jahiem Allen (Mount Miguel) had four receptions for Grossmont.

Next Saturday, Grossmont (0-1) will host Antelope Valley in its home opener, starting at 3 p.m. at Mashin-Roth Memorial Stadium.

Moorpark 17, Palomar 16

Comets led 16-3 in 4th, behind 3 field goals from Jack Meyers (21, 33, 47) and a 6-yard touchdown reception in the first half by Quincy Herron (Helix) from K.J. Chatham (University City).

The Comets fumbled at Raiders’ 40 on a big run to end their two-minute drill.

It was the first game in PC’s new football stadium. For the first time in the 47 years, the football team finally played their first actual home game at the football stadium on the campus.

William Struyk connected on a 45 yard field to put Moorhead up 3-0.

The Comets came back as Quincy Herron (Helix) caught a 6-yard pass from KJ Chatham.

John Meyers connected with 3 field goals 47, 32 and 21 yards led 16-3.

Moorpark struck with two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter as Savion Covington scored in the end zone and teammates Kadyn Parr threw a 5-yard pass to Ryan Johnson.

“I felt that we got complete control of this game with eight minutes in the fourth quarter,” said Joe Early, Palomar head coach. “Our defense gave up too many points as we missed field goals and couldn’t score in the red zone, we should have had 28 points in the first half but I keep telling my squad there’s a fine line for winning and losing.

“As we led 16-3, those 16 points should have been 32. It’s very hard to score points when you get inside the red area so we can score more points on the board. We can’t settle for field goals all the time but we didn’t do that, we have a long way to go as our guys were resilant. I’ve been around this game a long time and I haven’t seen a change of events like that, we had the momentum for three quarters in the 8 minute mark of the fourth, Moorpark got the turnover as we attempted to score the TD that changed things completely.”

Mesa 65, San Bernardino Valley College 0

Jax Leatherwood passed for two touchdowns in the opener at Mesa College.

Former Granite Hills kicking star Robert Petrich had a 28-yard field goal.

El Camino 29, Southwestern 3

The Warriors intercepted three Southwestern passes in the season-opener at DeVore Stadium.