Spicer, veteran defense lead Griffs

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 29, 2026

2026 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Griffins return 36-TD QB Spicer and more than 200 tackles from Beach Bowl championship defense

By Ramon Scott
EastCountySports.com

EL CAJON — Grossmont College enters the 2026 season with proven production at the two positions where continuity matters most in community college football.

The Griffins return quarterback Melvin Spicer IV, who accounted for 3,234 yards and 36 touchdowns during a record-setting freshman season. They also bring back a collection of defensive regulars who combined for more than 200 tackles in 2025.

Those returners provide a substantial foundation for head coach Mason Mitchell following a 7-4 season and an SCFA Beach Bowl championship.

Grossmont opens Saturday against Compton at Mashin-Roth Memorial Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.

The Griffins defeated Compton 64-0 in last season’s opener and went on to average 34.8 points and 413 yards per game. Grossmont closed the year with consecutive victories over Glendale and West Los Angeles, defeating the Wildcats 21-20 in the Beach Bowl.

The bowl victory avenged a one-point regular-season loss and gave Grossmont its first seven-win season since 2018.

The challenge now is to convert that breakthrough into sustained success—and to improve upon last season’s 2-3 record in the American-Pacific Conference.

Spicer established as offensive centerpiece

Grossmont begins with one of Southern California’s most productive returning quarterbacks.

Spicer completed 226 of 379 passes for 2,938 yards, 26 touchdowns and only four interceptions during his freshman season. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Bishop Gorman High graduate averaged 267.1 passing yards per game and finished with a 145.3 efficiency rating.

His value extended beyond the passing game.

Spicer added 296 rushing yards and a team-leading 10 touchdowns, giving him 3,234 yards of total offense and 36 combined scores across Grossmont’s 11 games.

He threw an interception on slightly more than one percent of his attempts despite averaging nearly 35 passes per game. That combination of production and ball security allowed Grossmont to operate one of the area’s highest-scoring offenses.

The Griffins scored at least 31 points seven times, reached 40 points in four games and averaged 454.3 yards of total offense during the season. Grossmont produced 4,997 yards across its 11 games.

Spicer’s return gives the Griffins stability while they rebuild the most productive portion of their receiving corps.

Grossmont must replace 154 receptions, 2,085 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns from its four leading receivers. That represents nearly 70 percent of last season’s passing yardage and more than 80 percent of the touchdown receptions thrown by Spicer.

The current roster contains numerous candidates, but only two returning receivers recorded meaningful statistics last season.

Isaac Syph, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound sophomore, caught 10 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He also established himself as one of Grossmont’s leading special-teams threats, averaging 28.1 yards on 16 kickoff returns and scoring on a 98-yard return.

Januel Fernandez, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore, caught eight passes for 126 yards and one touchdown in five games.

Their experience makes both potential regulars in a receiving group that will otherwise depend heavily upon new contributors.

The roster lists sophomore receivers Dwayne Newby, Davian McGowan, Trenice Woods and Dvonta Peoples, along with a large collection of freshmen.

McGowan, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound Mount Miguel graduate, gives Grossmont an experienced East County prospect at one of its most important positions.

Freshmen competing for opportunities include Demann Beverly, Alec Waters, Kylon Dupree, Isaiah Grant, Greg Toler, Berdyaski Pierre, Johnny Smith Jr., Cholle Crite Jr., Antonio Haynes, Devell Green, Damien Charmichael II, Reginald Jenkins Jr., Ryan Hamilton, Elijah Gillespie, Yehoshua Covin and Elijah Smith.

The newcomers provide variety in size. Pierre is listed at 6-foot-4, Jenkins at 6-foot-3 and Smith at 6-foot-2, while several of the smaller receivers could be considered for inside or return roles.

Without a published depth chart, their places in the rotation remain uncertain. What is clear is that Grossmont will need immediate production from multiple new targets to approach last season’s passing numbers.

Norman returns to lead deep backfield

The Griffins return considerably more proven production at running back.

Myles Norman, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore, rushed 98 times for 541 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry and ranked second on the team in rushing.

Norman was also an important part of the passing game, catching 26 passes for 248 yards and another touchdown. He finished his freshman season with 789 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns.

Spicer and Norman combined for 837 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Their return should allow Grossmont to retain a productive running component while its receiving corps develops.

Gannon Doaedsjah, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound sophomore from Poway, returns after rushing 22 times for 101 yards and one touchdown.

Nassir Hicks appeared in seven games during his freshman season and is back on the roster at 6 feet and 185 pounds.

The backfield also includes listed sophomores Ethan Ford, Chris Williams, Murray Crump and Nimeone Neal.

Several local freshmen join the competition. Former Granite Hills player Ivan Real is listed at 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Dupree Flenoid Jr. of Monte Vista is listed at 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, and former Helix player Jordan Lindley is listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds.

The combination of Norman’s established production, Doaedsjah’s experience and a large group of newcomers gives Grossmont several options behind Spicer.

Size and experience along the offensive line

Grossmont also returns four offensive linemen listed as sophomores.

Former Patrick Henry player Jacob Gibb is listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds. Angel Cota is 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, while Gabriel Tedesco provides exceptional length at 6-foot-8 and 330 pounds.

Grossmont High graduate Carter Ruiz, listed at 6 feet and 300 pounds, provides another experienced East County presence.

The Griffins have not published an opening-game depth chart, so returning status alone does not establish the starting five. Their experience, however, makes all four leading candidates for continued playing time.

Grossmont also added substantial size among its freshmen.

Alex Washington Jr. is listed at 6-foot-2 and 355 pounds, Bradley Coleman at 6-foot-9 and 350, Isaiah Castillo at 6-foot-2 and 305, Isaiah Hennecart at 6-foot-1 and 290, and Trenton Price at 6-foot-4 and 280.

The local newcomers include 6-foot, 285-pound Helix graduate Kingstun Niumata and 6-foot-4, 275-pound El Cajon Valley graduate Aiden Dixon.

The offensive line’s size and returning experience should help protect Spicer and give Grossmont time to establish its new receiving rotation.

Proven production returns on defense

Grossmont’s defensive continuity may be the strongest reason to believe the Griffins can contend for more than another bowl appearance.

The Griffins return five defenders who appeared in at least 10 games and recorded between 24 and 41 tackles.

Defensive back Titus Toilolo leads the returning group after making 41 tackles in 11 games, including seven tackles for loss and one sack.

The 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore also intercepted two passes and returned them for 53 yards.

Defensive lineman Rashad Scott appeared in all 11 games and recorded 39 tackles, a team-leading 10½ tackles for loss and two sacks.

At 6-foot-2 and 280 pounds, Scott gives Grossmont proven production in the middle of its defensive front.

Lincoln Chukwuemeka, a 6-foot, 280-pound defensive lineman, contributed 38 tackles, nine tackles for loss and one sack.

Scott and Chukwuemeka combined for 77 tackles and 19½ stops behind the line of scrimmage. Their production was instrumental in Grossmont limiting opponents to 108.6 rushing yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry.

Defensive back Jonathan Smith returns after playing all 11 games and recording 28 tackles, 2½ tackles for loss and three pass breakups.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound sophomore from Morse, adds size and game experience to the secondary.

Gatchang Gatchang recorded 24 tackles during his first Grossmont season. The 6-foot-3 defensive back gives the Griffins another long athlete on the back end.

Defensive lineman Diego Jaimes played in 10 games and contributed 20 tackles, 3½ tackles for loss and one sack. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound sophomore adds another experienced player to what could become the strength of the team.

Dionte Floyd Jr., Anthony Medina and Andrew Lugo also return after appearing on Grossmont’s defensive statistical report last season.

Floyd is now listed as a 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back. Medina is a 6-foot, 235-pound sophomore linebacker, while Lugo is listed as a 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore linebacker.

Although Grossmont has not identified its starting defensive alignment, the players appearing on both the 2025 statistical report and the current roster accounted for more than 200 tackles.

That amount of returning production is significant at the community-college level, where rosters and starting units frequently change dramatically from one season to the next.

Helix group adds strength through the middle

Several former Helix players could contribute along Grossmont’s defensive front seven.

Sophomore linebacker Jirah Savaiinaea Jr. is listed at 6 feet and 225 pounds. Sophomore defensive lineman Jeremiah Savaiinaea Jr. is listed at 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds.

Both earned all-league recognition during their time at Helix and provide the Griffins with additional East County experience.

Freshman Kingstun Niumata adds another Helix product to the offensive line, while Lindley joins the backfield.

The Highlanders are also represented by freshman kicker Philipa Trakas, listed at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds.

East County newcomers add local identity

Grossmont’s roster contains players from throughout San Diego County, Las Vegas, Arizona and several other states, but East County remains well represented.

Mount Miguel contributes three players at different levels of the defense and passing game.

Freshman Avery Morris is a 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive lineman. McGowan is among the returning receivers competing for a larger role, while Hector Armenta is listed as a 6-foot-2, 200-pound sophomore defensive back.

Former Steele Canyon receiver and linebacker Austin Haisch is listed as a 6-foot, 240-pound freshman defensive lineman. His background on both sides of the ball gives him an intriguing profile as he begins his Grossmont career.

Granite Hills is represented by returning defensive back Rashee Demery, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound sophomore, and freshman running back Real.

El Cajon Valley sends the Griffins two freshmen with useful size: defensive back Jaquari Washington, listed at 6 feet and 180 pounds, and offensive lineman Dixon.

Ruiz returns from Grossmont High, Flenoid arrives from Monte Vista and defensive back Xavier Guyton Jr. joins the program from Bostonia Global.

Those local players are not all established college regulars, but they give Grossmont a deep East County developmental group around its proven returners.

Additional competition throughout the defense

Grossmont’s defensive roster includes several newcomers with notable size.

Freshman linebacker Deereal Beverly is listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, while Esai Valera is 6-foot-3 and 235. Freshman linebacker Zacchaeus Maalona is listed at 6 feet and 205 pounds after recording 57 tackles and six sacks during his senior season at West High in Salt Lake City.

Freshman defensive lineman Emerson Duff is 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. Runnar Miller Jr. is listed at 6-foot-3 and 250, while Elijah Robinson is 6 feet and 250.

The largest returning defensive lineman is Decaurrey Clark, a 6-foot-3, 375-pound sophomore.

Freshman defensive backs Isaac Turner, Quincy Shepard Jr., Imry Yeargin, Jermaine Redden Jr., Nicholas Clark, Damarrea Wilson, Curtis Rogers IV, Xavier Guyton Jr., Jaquari Washington, Adrian Martinez and Damari Jones add competition behind Grossmont’s established secondary players.

The size of the defensive roster should allow the Griffins to create specialized combinations, although precise roles will not become clear until games begin.

Spicer leads experienced quarterback room

Spicer is the unquestioned centerpiece, but Grossmont has several other quarterbacks on the roster.

Former Oceanside quarterback Sa’ne Thompson is listed as a 6-foot-6, 220-pound freshman. Freshman David Wolfinger also stands 6-foot-6 and is listed at 200 pounds.

Mira Mesa graduate Gabriel Mendoza is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound freshman, while Michael Kearns III is listed as a 6-foot, 190-pound sophomore.

The group provides Grossmont with developmental depth behind a quarterback who took nearly every meaningful snap last season.

Conference results establish the next challenge

Grossmont faces nine of the same 10 regular-season opponents it played in 2025. Southwestern replaces LA Southwest as the only new opponent.

The Griffins defeated Compton, LA Valley, Victor Valley, LA Pierce and Glendale last season. Their four losses came against Antelope Valley, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica and San Bernardino Valley.

Three of those defeats were decided by a total of five points.

Grossmont lost 36-34 at Antelope Valley, fell 14-13 to West Los Angeles and took Santa Monica to two overtimes before losing 46-38. The Griffins later reversed the West Los Angeles result in the Beach Bowl.

Those narrow decisions demonstrated how close Grossmont came to producing an even larger breakthrough.

The Griffins finished 2-3 in American-Pacific Conference play and were outscored 109-101 in their five league games. Their overall record and bowl victory represented major progress, but the conference results establish the standard for the next step.

Spicer’s return gives Grossmont a quarterback capable of deciding close games. Norman supplies proven production from the backfield, the offensive line has experience and size, and the defense returns several of last season’s most productive players.

The greatest question surrounds the receiving corps. Grossmont must replace most of its 2025 passing production around Spicer, creating opportunities for Syph, Fernandez, McGowan and a large group of newcomers.

If those targets develop and the experienced defense performs at last season’s level, Grossmont has the foundation to turn its narrow conference losses into victories.

The Beach Bowl championship showed how far the program progressed in one season. The returning production suggests the Griffins may be capable of taking another step in 2026.

2026 Grossmont schedule

Aug. 29: Compton, 3 p.m.
Sept. 5: at Southwestern, noon
Sept. 12: Antelope Valley
Sept. 19: LA Valley
Sept. 26: at Victor Valley
Oct. 3: Santa Monica*
Oct. 10: at West Los Angeles*
Oct. 17: LA Pierce*
Oct. 24: San Bernardino Valley*
Nov. 7: at Glendale*

*American-Pacific Conference game

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