College Football: Mesa's 30-Point Lead Evaporates in Playoff Loss at Riverside

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

In a stunning turn of events that will be remembered for years to come, the San Diego Mesa Olympians saw their championship hopes slip away Saturday afternoon, surrendering a 30-point lead in a devastating 37-30 playoff loss to the Riverside City College Tigers at Wheelock Stadium.

Making its first-ever playoff appearance, the Olympians (8-3) dominated the first two-and-a-half quarters, building what appeared to be an insurmountable 30-0 advantage behind a stellar performance from quarterback Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch). The sophomore signal-caller threw for 327 yards, including touchdown passes to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker (34 yards) and Danny Davis (5 yards), while adding a 12-yard rushing score of his own. Kicker Robert Petrich (Granite Hills) was perfect on the day, connecting on field goals of 30, 30, and 33 yards.

The tide began to turn midway through the third quarter when Riverside's Brandon McMaste punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to get the Tigers on the board. What followed was an offensive onslaught that saw Riverside (10-1) score 37 unanswered points, including three rushing touchdowns by McMaste and a 49-yard touchdown reception by Dominic Cox from Brady Jones.

The final blow came with just 30 seconds remaining when Devyne Pearson scored on a 3-yard run to complete the largest comeback in Riverside's playoff history.

Mesa's offense, which had been clicking early behind Leatherwood's arm and a balanced attack, stalled in the fourth quarter. Troy Bassler led all Mesa receivers with seven catches for 130 yards, while the running game was held to just 34 total yards on 28 attempts.

RCC quarterback Brady Jones finished with 402 passing yards, with Dominic Cox leading all Tigers receivers with 117 yards and the crucial fourth-quarter touchdown. The Tigers' ground game found its footing late, led by Marquis Monroe's 85 yards on just four carries.

The loss ends Mesa's outstanding season and their hopes of reaching the SCFA Championship game for the first time. The Olympians finish the year at 8-3, while Riverside (10-1) continues its title defense next week when they visit No. 1-seed Mt. San Antonio College to see who will represent the South at the 3C2A State Championship on Dec. 14.