Griffins measure Jaguars in renewal

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 3, 2026

2026 COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL

RIVALRY RENEWED AT DeVORE

Grossmont seeks its first victory over Southwestern since 2017 as unbeaten county rivals collide Saturday in Chula Vista

By Ramon Scott
EastCountySports.com

CHULA VISTA — The first weekend told Grossmont and Southwestern they were ready to overpower an overmatched opponent.

The second weekend should tell them considerably more about themselves.

Grossmont and No. 15 Southwestern renew San Diego County’s most natural community college football rivalry Saturday at noon at DeVore Stadium, bringing together unbeaten teams that dominated the line of scrimmage, pressured opposing quarterbacks and won their season openers by a combined 78 points.

Southwestern traveled to Santa Clarita and shut out College of the Canyons, 27-0. Grossmont opened at home by overwhelming Compton, 57-6.

Three of San Diego County’s National Division programs are in the latest JC Athletic Bureau/California Community College Football Coaches Association poll. Southwestern moved to No. 15, followed immediately by No. 16 Palomar and No. 17 San Diego Mesa.

Southwestern also is No. 23 in the national JCGridiron Dirty 30. Palomar is No. 26 and Mesa is No. 29.

The other two ranked county programs face important home assignments Saturday. Palomar hosts East Los Angeles at 6 p.m., while Mesa receives one of the state’s most imposing early-season tests against No. 5 Mt. San Antonio.

The afternoon game at DeVore, however, carries the history and local significance.

Southwestern has won six consecutive meetings against Grossmont, including a 28-7 victory in 2024 and a 45-31 triumph at Grossmont in 2023.

The Jaguars also won in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Grossmont’s most recent victory in the series came in 2017, when the Griffins prevailed, 27-24.

The schools did not meet last season after Grossmont moved from the National Division into the American Division. Saturday’s nonconference renewal places the programs back on the same field with both attempting to demonstrate that their opening victories represented more than favorable matchups.

For Grossmont, the game is an opportunity to show that the program’s progress under head coach Mason Mitchell can extend against a nationally ranked opponent.

For Southwestern, it is a chance to retain control of the rivalry and reinforce the impression created by one of the state’s most convincing opening-week defensive performances.

JAGUARS WIN IN THE TRENCHES

Southwestern physically controlled College of the Canyons on both sides of the ball.

The Jaguars finished with 409 yards of offense, including 201 rushing, while limiting the Cougars to 168 total yards and 21 yards on 21 rushing attempts.

Southwestern ran the ball 49 times and rotated three primary backs throughout the afternoon.

Jamar Johnson, Caleb Blocker and Elias Johnson combined for 193 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries. Jamar Johnson led the Jaguars with 80 yards and scored on a 9-yard run. Blocker added 60 yards, and Elias Johnson rushed for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

That depth allowed Southwestern to remain physical without placing the entire workload on one runner.

Quarterback Dominic Duran supplied an efficient performance in his Southwestern debut, completing 16 of 22 passes for 208 yards without an interception.

Duran distributed the ball to seven receivers and repeatedly answered when Canyons brought additional defenders toward the line to slow the running game.

Ahmad “AJ” Perry II caught four passes for 77 yards, including a 38-yard gain. Kiram Dallas added two receptions for 47 yards, with one covering 41 yards and helping set up Southwestern’s second touchdown.

The Jaguars produced 22 first downs, ran 70 offensive plays and punted only once. Their primary shortcoming was red-zone efficiency, with touchdowns on three of six possessions that reached the Canyons 20.

Southwestern’s defense made certain those missed opportunities never mattered.

The Jaguars recorded five sacks, nine tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Canyons completed only 41 offensive plays and never seriously threatened the shutout.

David Peevy recorded a sack, forced two fumbles and contributed 1½ tackles for loss. Charlie Sullivan and Joseph Stephens intercepted passes, while Sullivan added two tackles behind the line.

Niko Ta’a, Damarrion White, Carson Curtis, Dax Monestime and Hunter Hamilton contributed to a pass rush that produced 38 yards in sack losses.

The performance reportedly marked the first time Canyons had been shut out since 1980.

GRIFFINS STRIKE QUICKLY

Grossmont’s opening victory came against a considerably weaker opponent.

Compton entered with a 49-player roster after forfeiting its 2025 season and has not won a game since 2022. Grossmont defeated the Coyotes, 64-0, last season before producing another runaway result Saturday.

That context makes it difficult to measure the Griffins strictly by the final score.

It does not erase how decisively they handled the assignment.

Grossmont scored through the air, on the ground and on defense while averaging 7.4 yards per play and committing no turnovers. The Griffins led 34-6 at halftime before using three quarterbacks and distributing playing time throughout the roster.

Returning sophomore Melvin Spicer IV accounted for four first-half touchdowns, completing 15 of 20 passes for 172 yards and three scores while adding a 2-yard touchdown run.

Spicer’s three touchdown passes went to three different receivers.

Januel Fernandez caught a 14-yard touchdown on Grossmont’s opening possession. Myles Norman scored on a 6-yard reception, and Demann Beverly made the most difficult catch of the afternoon by securing a 23-yard touchdown while looking into the sun with two defenders converging.

Backup quarterback Michael Kearns III completed only two passes, but both went for touchdowns. He connected with Fernandez for 49 yards and Elijah Gillespie for a 9-yard score.

Fernandez finished with two receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns, scoring on passes from two different quarterbacks.

Eight Griffins caught at least one pass. Isaac Syph led the team with three receptions for 50 yards, while Ladarrione Perkins caught two passes for 41 yards and added a 2-yard rushing touchdown.

Grossmont entered the season needing to replace its four leading receivers from 2025, a group that combined for 154 receptions, 2,085 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The opener did not establish that all of that production has been replaced. It did provide an encouraging first response, with five players catching touchdown passes and Spicer avoiding the turnovers that occasionally interrupted Grossmont’s progress last season.

PRICE SETS THE EDGE

Grossmont’s offensive line will face a dramatically different physical challenge Saturday.

Left tackle Trenton Price supplied one of the Griffins’ most impressive individual performances against Compton.

Price repeatedly controlled smaller defenders at the point of attack and drove them downfield, at times advancing nearly as quickly as the ball carrier behind him. His combination of size, strength and effort helped Grossmont establish the left side while protecting Spicer’s blind side.

Southwestern will not be moved as easily.

The Jaguars demonstrated considerable size and depth along the defensive front against Canyons. They controlled the running lanes without sacrificing their pass rush and continued rotating fresh defenders into the game.

Price and the Grossmont offensive line must give Spicer enough time to challenge Southwestern’s secondary. The Griffins allowed three sacks against Compton, and negative plays will be more damaging against a Jaguars offense constructed to control the football.

The matchup between Grossmont’s offensive line and Southwestern’s defensive front could determine whether the rivalry remains close into the fourth quarter.

AN EXPERIENCED DEFENSE GETS TESTED

Grossmont’s defense was even more dominant than its offense in the opener.

The Griffins held Compton to 132 total yards and 5 net rushing yards, producing seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

Former Mount Miguel standout Avery Morris led Grossmont with five solo tackles, three tackles for loss covering 20 yards and a 13-yard sack.

Zacchaeus Maalona recorded a sack and forced a fumble that Titus Toilolo returned 46 yards for a touchdown. Anthony Lopez contributed four tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack, while Lincoln Chukwuemeka added two tackles for loss and another sack.

Esai Valera and former Helix defender Jirah Savaiinaea Jr. also brought down the quarterback.

Grossmont’s defense will not be able to attack as recklessly against Southwestern.

The Jaguars can remain committed to the run behind Johnson, Blocker and Johnson, but Duran demonstrated that he can complete throws behind linebackers when opponents load the box.

Grossmont must control first down and force Southwestern into obvious passing situations. If the Jaguars consistently create second-and-manageable opportunities, their rushing depth could gradually wear down the Griffins.

Southwestern faces a more difficult quarterback assignment as well.

Spicer accounted for 36 touchdowns during his freshman season, passing for 2,787 yards and 28 scores while adding eight rushing touchdowns. His experience, mobility and ability to extend plays give Grossmont an offensive weapon Canyons did not possess.

Southwestern cannot allow Spicer to escape pressure and create explosive throws after the initial play breaks down.

DISCIPLINE COULD DECIDE IT

Both teams produced dominant defensive statistics in Week 1. Both also committed enough penalties to create concern entering a much closer matchup.

Grossmont was penalized 11 times for 138 yards. Southwestern committed six penalties for 102 yards.

The Griffins were able to overcome their mistakes because Compton repeatedly surrendered short fields and managed almost no running game. Grossmont cannot expect the same opportunities at DeVore Stadium.

A holding penalty or personal foul could destroy a possession against Southwestern’s front. A penalty that extends a Jaguars drive could lead to several additional minutes of defending the run.

Southwestern also must become more efficient near the goal line. The Jaguars reached the Canyons 20 six times but scored only three touchdowns, settling for two field goals and coming away empty once.

Daniel Meadows minimized the damage by making two of three field-goal attempts, including a 42-yarder, and converting all three extra points.

The kicking game gives Southwestern another advantage if Saturday becomes a field-position contest.

A MEASURING-STICK GAME

Grossmont went 7-4 and won the SCFA Beach Bowl last season, producing its first seven-win campaign since 2018.

The Griffins demonstrated meaningful progress, but Saturday represents a different level of evaluation.

A victory would end six years of Southwestern control, provide Grossmont with a win over a ranked National Division opponent and establish the Griffins as a program capable of competing beyond the American Division.

A competitive performance would demonstrate continued improvement.

A victory would make a statement.

Southwestern already has the ranking, the home field and the recent-series advantage. The Jaguars also own the more meaningful opening result after dominating a Canyons program accustomed to competing at the National Division level.

The Jaguars are attempting to establish themselves as a contender in the National Division’s powerful Southern League, which sent six teams into the JCGridiron Dirty 30 after going 7-1 against non-National Division opposition in Week 1.

Grossmont has more to prove—but also the quarterback capable of making the game competitive.

PREDICTION

Grossmont should present Southwestern with challenges that Canyons could not.

Spicer’s experience and ability to create outside the structure of the offense give the Griffins opportunities even if their running game struggles. Grossmont’s defensive front also should prevent Southwestern from controlling every possession as completely as it did in Santa Clarita.

The Jaguars still appear better equipped to win the physical battle for four quarters.

Southwestern has the deeper rushing attack, the stronger opening-week résumé and a defense that demonstrated it could dominate a National Division opponent. The Jaguars also are playing at home and have won six consecutive games in the series.

Grossmont’s penalties and its still-developing receiving corps remain concerns. The Griffins could survive those mistakes against Compton. They probably cannot survive them against Southwestern.

Grossmont should make the afternoon more competitive than the computer projections suggest, but Southwestern’s depth should become increasingly apparent during the second half.

SOUTHWESTERN 34, GROSSMONT 17

RATINGS

GROSSMONT AT SOUTHWESTERN

	Grossmont	Southwestern
Record	1-0	1-0
State coaches poll	Not ranked	No. 15
JCGridiron Dirty 30	Not ranked	No. 23
Massey rating	No. 49	No. 20
Massey win probability	6%	94%
Massey projected score	14	42
ECS prediction	17	34

OPENING-WEEK COMPARISON

Category	Grossmont	Southwestern
Result	Beat Compton, 57-6	Beat Canyons, 27-0
Total offense	369 yards	409 yards
Rushing offense	104 yards	201 yards
Passing offense	265 yards	208 yards
Total defense	132 yards	168 yards
Rushing defense	5 yards	21 yards
Sacks	7	5
Tackles for loss	15	9
Takeaways	2	4
Turnovers lost	0	1
Penalties	11-138	6-102

LOCAL

NO. 5 MT. SAN ANTONIO AT NO. 17 SAN DIEGO MESA

San Diego Mesa’s explosive opening victory earned the Olympians immediate statewide recognition.

Now they have an opportunity to earn considerably more.

No. 17 San Diego Mesa hosts No. 5 Mt. San Antonio on Saturday at 6 p.m., matching two unbeaten teams that reached their opening victories in dramatically different circumstances.

Mesa overwhelmed East Los Angeles, 44-6, receiving touchdowns from four players and controlling the game from start to finish. Mt. SAC survived a considerably stronger challenge, defeating then-No. 8 Cerritos, 21-17, in a matchup between two of Southern California’s established National Division programs.

That difference in opening opposition makes Mt. SAC the favorite, but Mesa displayed enough offensive speed and playmaking depth to make Saturday’s game one of the most intriguing matchups in the state.

Freshman quarterback Diesel Taylor made an immediate impression in his Mesa debut, throwing three first-half touchdown passes as the Olympians constructed a 21-0 halftime advantage.

Taylor opened the scoring with a 21-yard touchdown pass to McCann, connected with Watkins for a 35-yard score and delivered a well-placed 20-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Chanel along the left side of the end zone.

Mesa’s receivers repeatedly won their individual matchups against the East Los Angeles secondary. They created separation at the line, ran behind the coverage and gave the Olympians’ quarterbacks favorable targets throughout the night.

Former Helix quarterback Ryland Jessee also received playing time and produced Mesa’s fourth touchdown pass. Jessee rolled to his right, reset and found Chanel crossing through the end zone for a 6-yard score.

Chanel’s second touchdown included one of the evening’s most unusual sequences. The receiver was knocked to the turf during the route, somersaulted, returned to his feet and continued across the field before breaking open for the reception.

The production from Taylor and Jessee gives Mesa options at quarterback, but Saturday’s competition will be far more demanding. Mt. SAC allowed only 243 total yards against Cerritos and surrendered just 12 first downs.

Taylor will be making his second college start against a defense that already has been tested by a top-10 opponent. His ability to remain patient when Mesa’s receivers do not immediately separate could become one of the game’s central factors.

MOUNTIES CONTROL THE FOOTBALL

Mt. SAC demonstrated its preferred formula against Cerritos.

The Mounties produced 374 total yards, 26 first downs and 160 rushing yards while converting 9 of 14 third downs. They controlled possession for 33:12 and finished the game by keeping the football for the final 4:54.

Quarterback JP Mialovski completed 24 of 32 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Both scoring passes went to Jordyn Harris, who caught eight passes for 68 yards.

Mialovski and Harris connected for touchdowns covering 21 and 7 yards. The second completed an 11-play, 63-yard possession that consumed more than seven minutes and gave Mt. SAC a 21-10 lead.

The Mounties also received an efficient performance from running backs Elijah Tehe and Jamel Sly.

Tehe carried seven times for 70 yards, including a critical 17-yard run on third-and-7 that allowed Mt. SAC to exhaust the remaining time. Sly added 68 yards on eight attempts and scored on a 15-yard run during the Mounties’ opening possession.

Together, Tehe and Sly gained 138 yards on only 15 carries, an average of 9.2 yards per attempt.

Mesa cannot allow Mt. SAC to reproduce that combination of rushing efficiency and third-down execution. The Mounties demonstrated against Cerritos that they are comfortable assembling long possessions, protecting a narrow lead and forcing an opponent to maximize a limited number of opportunities.

MESA’S PLAYMAKERS

Mesa did not need to rely exclusively on its passing game in the opener.

Former Monte Vista standout Alex Villanueva scored on a 24-yard run during the fourth quarter, displaying the vision and lateral quickness that allowed him to set numerous records during his high school career.

Villanueva started up the middle, cut toward the right side and avoided several defenders on his way to the end zone.

Isaiah Jackson added a 28-yard touchdown run around the right side, maintaining his balance along the sideline before completing the score. Jackson also produced a long kickoff return after fielding the ball at the Mesa 8.

Those contributions give the Olympians several ways to generate explosive plays. Mesa can attack downfield with Taylor, change the quarterback picture with Jessee, place the ball in Villanueva’s hands or use Jackson on offense and special teams.

The question is whether those plays will remain available against a Mt. SAC defense that limited Cerritos to 51 rushing yards.

Nathan Maggiore led the Mounties with seven tackles and two tackles for loss in the opener. Ofa Falekaono added six tackles and another stop behind the line.

Mesa’s offensive line must give its young quarterbacks time while also creating enough production on the ground to keep Mt. SAC from concentrating on the passing game.

DEFENSE AND SPECIAL TEAMS

Mesa’s defense preserved its shutout until the fourth quarter against East Los Angeles.

Freshman linebacker Viliamu Trollinger, a former Montgomery High standout, produced one of the unit’s biggest plays when he read a pass, dropped underneath the route and intercepted it in front of the intended receiver.

The Olympians also blocked a 42-yard field-goal attempt and prevented the Huskies from scoring after they reached the Mesa 5 on their final possession.

Mt. SAC committed two turnovers against Cerritos, including an interception in the end zone and a fourth-quarter fumble at the Falcons 2. Those mistakes nearly allowed Cerritos to erase a lead despite being outgained by 131 yards.

Mesa may need to force similar errors to win Saturday.

The Olympians scored quickly and repeatedly against East Los Angeles. Mt. SAC is more likely to shorten the game with its rushing attack, third-down efficiency and methodical possessions.

If Mesa can create a takeaway or produce another major special-teams play, it may be able to prevent the Mounties from dictating that tempo.

A CHANCE TO MAKE A STATEMENT

Mesa entered the state coaches poll at No. 17 following its opening rout. A victory over No. 5 Mt. SAC would move the Olympians considerably higher and establish them as an immediate contender in the National Division.

Mt. SAC already owns a victory over a ranked opponent and arrives with considerably more evidence of how it will respond in a close game.

The Mounties protected a four-point lead against Cerritos by controlling the final possession. Their defense forced a three-and-out after a late turnover gave the Falcons an opportunity to take the lead.

Mesa was never placed under comparable pressure against East Los Angeles.

Saturday should reveal how Taylor and the Olympians respond when receivers are covered more tightly, running lanes become smaller and each possession carries greater importance.

Mesa has enough speed to create trouble and should be dangerous at home. Taylor’s opening performance was encouraging, while the presence of Jessee gives the Olympians another experienced option if the freshman encounters difficulty.

Mt. SAC, however, has already demonstrated that it can defeat a quality opponent without playing a mistake-free game. Its ability to run the ball, convert third downs and control possession gives the Mounties a slight advantage.

Massey projects a 32-28 Mt. SAC victory and gives the Mounties a 60-percent chance of winning. That appears close to the correct range.

Mesa should remain within one possession and will have a legitimate opportunity to win during the fourth quarter, but Mt. SAC’s experience and strength on the ground may produce the deciding drive.

MT. SAN ANTONIO 31, SAN DIEGO MESA 27

GAME INFORMATION

No. 5 Mt. San Antonio (1-0) at No. 17 San Diego Mesa (1-0)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
San Diego Mesa College

RATINGS

	Mt. SAC	San Diego Mesa
State coaches poll	No. 5	No. 17
JCGridiron Dirty 30	No. 9	No. 29
Massey rating	No. 8	No. 15
Massey win probability	60%	40%
Massey projection	32	28
ECS prediction	31	27

EAST LOS ANGELES AT NO. 16 PALOMAR

Palomar produced one of the state’s most impressive opening results by traveling to Ventura and defeating the then-No. 6 Pirates, 19-6, in the debut of head coach Thom Kaumeyer.

The victory elevated the Comets to No. 16 in the state coaches poll and No. 26 in the JCGridiron Dirty 30. They return home Saturday at 6 p.m. against an East Los Angeles team attempting to recover from a 44-6 loss to San Diego Mesa.

Palomar did not overwhelm Ventura statistically, but it controlled the moments that decided the game.

Quarterback Noah Schuback completed 18 of 27 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Princeton Anderson for a 19-yard score with 20 seconds remaining in the first half. Anderson caught five passes for 76 yards as Schuback distributed his completions among seven receivers.

The Comets also demonstrated two different ways to produce scoring drives. Toa Howard broke a 23-yard touchdown run on the first play following Ventura’s opening field goal, while Maurice Howard completed a methodical 16-play, 73-yard possession with a 1-yard touchdown.

Maurice Howard finished with 51 yards on 17 carries, helping Palomar control possession for 31:43.

The greater statement came from the defense.

Palomar kept Ventura out of the end zone, forced two turnovers and stopped the Pirates on two of their three fourth-down attempts. Matthew Gutierrez and Tresean Ellis intercepted passes, while Nash Cooper recorded two of the Comets’ three sacks.

The defense’s red-zone performance was particularly important. Ventura produced 20 first downs and 273 total yards but came away with only two field goals. Palomar stopped the Pirates on fourth down during the second quarter and did not allow a point after halftime.

East Los Angeles faces another difficult San Diego County opponent after struggling to contain Mesa’s speed.

The Huskies surrendered six touchdowns, including four through the air, and repeatedly allowed Mesa’s receivers to separate in one-on-one coverage. East L.A. also produced only six points despite using three quarterbacks.

Its best offensive stretch came in the fourth quarter, when Tegan Melendez connected with Giovanni Crabtree for a 16-yard touchdown. The Huskies later reached the Mesa 5 but were stopped without scoring.

Palomar may not generate the same collection of explosive plays Mesa produced, but the Comets appear capable of controlling East L.A. with their defense, running game and possession passing.

The primary challenge will be handling success. Palomar invested considerable physical and emotional energy in defeating a ranked opponent three hours from home. The Comets now must reproduce that urgency against a winless team they are expected to beat.

A disciplined performance should allow Palomar to begin the Kaumeyer era with consecutive victories. Schuback and Anderson give the passing game stability, the two Howards provide balance on the ground, and the defense should create favorable field position against an East L.A. offense that struggled throughout its opener.

Massey projects a 38-14 Palomar victory and gives the Comets a 93-percent probability of winning. After holding Ventura without a touchdown, Palomar should again keep its opponent under control.

PALOMAR 34, EAST LOS ANGELES 10

GAME INFORMATION

East Los Angeles (0-1) at No. 16 Palomar (1-0)
Saturday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m.
Palomar College

RATINGS

	East Los Angeles	Palomar
State coaches poll	Not ranked	No. 16
JCGridiron Dirty 30	Not ranked	No. 26
Massey rating	No. 43	No. 13
Massey win probability	7%	93%
Massey projection	14	38
ECS prediction	10	34

AROUND THE STATE

No. 2 Golden West at No. 9 Riverside

The state’s premier Week 2 matchup brings together two top-10 teams in Riverside.

Golden West remained No. 2 following its opening victory, while Riverside climbed from No. 14 into a tie for ninth.

The computers see almost no separation. Riverside is projected to defend its home field with a 34-30 victory.

No. 14 Ventura at No. 9 Fullerton

Ventura attempts to recover from its home loss to Palomar against a Fullerton team tied for ninth in the state poll.

The Pirates began the season ranked sixth before falling eight positions. Another defeat would leave one of Southern California’s traditional powers 0-2.

Fullerton is projected to win, 35-27.

No. 12 El Camino at College of the Canyons

El Camino enters 1-0 and ranked No. 12, while Canyons attempts to recover from being shut out by Southwestern.

El Camino is projected to win, 31-23, but the result also will provide additional context for the Jaguars’ opening victory. A competitive performance by Canyons would make Southwestern’s 27-0 road shutout appear even more significant.

Northern California

No. 11 City College of San Francisco hosts No. 20 American River in a matchup between traditional Northern California contenders. San Francisco is projected to win a close one, 27-24.

Top-ranked San Mateo puts its six-game winning streak on the line against Sierra. The Bulldogs received all 14 first-place votes in the state poll and are projected to remain unbeaten with a 42-17 victory.

No. 7 Fresno hosts No. 24 Foothill, with the Rams projected to win, 35-14.

One of the weekend’s closest games could come outside the Top 25 when unbeaten Reedley visits unbeaten College of the Redwoods. Redwoods is projected to escape with a 27-26 victory.

EastCountySports.com

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