College Football: Mesa Wins Battle of Top 10 Teams, Stays Unbeaten

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – The San Diego Mesa Olympians moved to 3-0 on the season with a 22-7 win over the Golden West Rustlers (2-1), fueled by early offensive bursts and a dominant defensive performance.

Former Scripps Ranch standout Jax Leatherwood led the charge for Mesa, tossing two first-quarter touchdowns — a 12-yard pass to Kendall Ayersman and a 28-yard strike to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker. Leatherwood finished the day completing 22 of 33 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The Olympians' defense was the difference maker, limiting Golden West to just 94 rushing yards and only one score — a second-quarter 20-yard touchdown pass from Will Burns to Noah Burdick. Key defensive highlights included interceptions by John Shepard and Jacob Benavente, along with three sacks to keep the Rustlers’ offense at bay.

Granite Hills alum Robert Petrich added two field goals, including a 34-yarder late in the fourth quarter, and a safety sealed the victory for Mesa.

The Rustlers entered the game ranked No. 3 in the State Rankings, while Mesa was ranked No. 8.

Next Saturday, the Olympians will aim to continue their winning streak as they host rival Grossmont in their homecoming game.

2024 Kings of the County Standings

#1 San Diego Mesa 🏆 3-0

#2 Palomar 1-2

#3 Grossmont 1-2

#4 Southwestern 0-2

Top JuCo Performers of the Week

QB Matt Barton - Grossmont (Mount Miguel)

7-yard Rushing TD

QB KJ Chatham - Palomar (Lincoln)

9/23 for 154 yards & 1 TD

WR Skai Donnell - Palomar (Mission Hills)

2 Catches for 69 yards & 1 TD

WR Mahki Gray - Southwestern (Lincoln)

16-yard Touchdown Catch

QB Jax Leatherwood - San Diego Mesa (Scripps Ranch)

22/33 for 242 yards & 2 TDs, 1 INT

WR Dazure Padgett - San Diego Mesa (Lincoln)

7 catches for 71 yards

K Robert Petrich - San Diego Mesa (Granite Hills)

2/2, 34 Long, 2/2 XP

DB Mason Thomas - Palomar (San Marcos)

41-yard Interception Return TD

WR Jalil Tucker - San Diego Mesa (Lincoln)

5 catches for 62 yards & 1 TD

QB Connor Underhill - Southwestern (Rancho Buena Vista)

15/29 for 137 yards & 1 TD, 2 Rushing TDs