Olympians, Comets sputter in losses
- Updated: September 13, 2021
Kuino Makihele (22) goes for a tackle for Mesa College on Saturday. / VC Athletics
2021 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL
EastCountySports.com staff report
The first four markers would give Ventura a 28-7 halftime lead, but when opened the second half with a score, Ventura’s fifth TD will be the most remembered. Receiver Gaven Brasker hauled in an 8-yard pass from Jordan Pachot, tip-toeing the back of the end zone to push the advantage to 35-14.
San Diego Mesa, which looked good in its victory on Opening Night, generated 308 yards in total offense and held possession for more than 40 minutes. However, the Olympians’ defense was dominated by the speed of the Pirates on quick, long scoring drives of the Pirates.
For Ventura (2-0), Pachot was an efficient 14-23 for 239 yards and four touchdowns and Terell Vaughn found paydirt three times, including on a 91-yard punt return.
Mesa quarterback Gunnar Gray. passed three TDs, but could never overcome an early 21-0 deficit. He was 14-for-24 for a 125 yards. The scoring strikes went to Antwoine Sullivan, Desean Owens, and Anthony Gilpin.
Mesa running back Cael Patterson carried 11 times for 131 yards, including a 31-yard burst.
On defense, Chris Alba posted an interception, while Jonathan Vegas and Ezra Christensen were the leading tacklers with five stops each.
The Olympians return home next Saturday to host the East Los Angeles Huskies of Monterrey Park in a sure toss-up, starting at 6 p.m. from Merrill Douglas Stadium.
No. 19 GOLDEN WEST 31, No. 28 PALOMAR 3 ESCONDIDO —- Visiting Golden West College carried a shutout into the fourth quarter, easily racing past Palomar College, 31-7, in the Comets’ home opener on Saturday (Sept. 11).
The Rustlers ran out of the gates early via quarterback Jake Retzlaff punching the ball into the goal line from a yard out. Golden West tacked on two more scores with Retzlaff connecting on a touchdown to wide receiver Torrance Wiseman as well as kicker Jake Cipres tacked on a 39-yard field goal to close the half with a 17-0 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, the Comets found momentum thanks to a 29-yard field goal from Landon Ogles (Rancho Bernardo) to avoid the shutout.
The momentum vanished when the very next play, kick returner Eman Lawoye, of Golden West, took a kickoff all the way to the house, breaking tackle after tackle.
Retzlaff would score on a quarterback sneak from a yard out to cap the triumph.
Golden West limited the Comets to a mere 208 yards in total offense, including just 161 in the air. The Rustlers also registered six sacks. including three on third downs to force punts.
Next weekend, Palomar heads south next week to play Southwestern College at Chet Devore Stadium, starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
GRIFFINS POSTPONED
In other scheduled action, Orange Coast, Golden West’s sister school from the Coast Community College District, postponed its home game against Grossmont. It has been re-scheduled for November 8.
