TORERO STADIUM - The University of San Diego Toreros (4-2, 2-1 PFL) continued their unbeaten home streak with an impressive 34-6 victory over Marist (0-7, 0-4 PFL) in front of 3,017 fans at Torero Stadium on homecoming day. The Toreros, now 4-0 at home, put together a complete team performance, with contributions from all phases of the game.
The defensive unit set the tone early when Eric Haney returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. "I always pray for the opportunity to make plays, and today, I was able to be in the right spot at the right time. I'm just grateful," Haney said of the game’s opening score. This play ignited the Toreros, giving them a quick 7-0 lead.
San Diego's offense wasted no time extending the lead. Quarterback Grant Sergent connected with wide receiver Ja’Seem Reed on a 21-yard touchdown pass to cap a seven-play, 53-yard drive later in the first quarter. Reed was unstoppable throughout the game, notching a career-high 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. "We really emphasized attacking the zone coverage this week, and it worked," Reed said. "Coach Moore and the staff had a great game plan, and we executed."
San Diego maintained a steady offensive pace after the halftime break, with Aidan Lehman drilling a 52-yard field goal and Sergent finding Reed again for an 18-yard touchdown. Josh Heverly added a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Sergent finished the day with 202 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Head Coach Brandon Moore praised the complete team effort. "This is the first time this season we've put all three phases of the game together. Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed today," Moore said. "It was great to see the hard work from practice pay off, especially on a big homecoming day."
Defensively, the Toreros were relentless, holding Marist to just six points and 226 total yards. The defense registered four sacks, including key stops from Giovanni Iovino and Malachi Cooper, who combined for multiple tackles for loss. Marist managed just one touchdown, a 21-yard pass from Sonny Mannino to Mohamed Diawara, which was the only bright spot for the visiting team.
"We're excited to continue this momentum as we head on the road," Moore added. "But there's still work to be done, and we have a tough test against St. Thomas next week."
San Diego will look to secure its first road win of the season as they travel to Minnesota to face St. Thomas in a crucial conference matchup.
Game Summary
First Quarter
USD: Eric Haney 46-yard interception return (A. Lehman kick) – 7-0
USD: Ja'Seem Reed 21-yard pass from Grant Sergent (A. Lehman kick) – 14-0
Third Quarter
USD: Aidan Lehman 52-yard field goal – 17-0
MAR: Mohamed Diawara 21-yard pass from Sonny Mannino (2-point attempt failed) – 17-6
USD: Ja'Seem Reed 18-yard pass from Grant Sergent (A. Lehman kick) – 24-6
Fourth Quarter
USD: Josh Heverly 9-yard pass from Grant Sergent (A. Lehman kick) – 31-6
USD: Aidan Lehman 25-yard field goal – 34-6
Palomar Defeats Saddleback 20-14 in a Tight Contest
SAN MARCOS - In a closely contested game, the Palomar Comets edged out Saddleback 20-14. The game began with Palomar striking first, thanks to a six-yard touchdown run by Andrew Tapley in the first quarter. Saddleback quickly responded with a big play—a 73-yard touchdown pass from Trey Kukuk to Dane Benedix—tying the game 7-7. However, the Comets regained the lead before the first quarter ended with a 66-yard run by Mission Hills High alum Jaiden Letua.
After a scoreless second quarter, the game saw more action in the third. The Bobcats tied it once more with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kukuk to Andrez Lewis, capping off an impressive 16-play drive. But Palomar’s Christian Hall (Cathedral Catholic) scored the go-ahead touchdown on a five-yard run, making it 20-14. Despite a missed extra point, the Comets' defense held on, limiting Saddleback's opportunities in the fourth quarter.
The Bobcats' offense struggled to overcome Palomar's defensive pressure, as Kukuk threw for 153 yards but was intercepted three times. The Comets controlled the ground game, rushing for 208 yards, with Letua’s 66-yard run being a game-changer.
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