The San Diego Mesa College football team secured a decisive victory in their 2024 season opener, defeating San Bernardino Valley College 65-0 at Merrill Douglas Stadium on Saturday.

The offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing 360 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, the defense limited San Bernardino Valley College to less than 50 yards, with an average gain of only 0.7 yards per play.

Freshman quarterback Jax Leatherwood, who transferred from the University of Nevada-Reno, delivered an impressive debut performance. The 6'8" player, hailing from Scripps Ranch High School, completed 8 of 10 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to command the offense was impressive. With Coach Watkins' offensive strategy, Leatherwood looks to break and set new records this season. 

A running back committee featured the ground game: Danny Davis rushed for 44 yards and netted a touchdown, Derk McClintic contributed 43 rushing yards and secured a touchdown, and Santiago Salas added 24 rushing yards and scored a touchdown.

Receivers Nathan Porter, Santiago Salas, and Troy Bassler each made contributions to the game, with Porter totaling three receptions for 64 yards, Salas securing two receptions for 51 yards, and Bassler making two receptions for 12 yards, with all three players catching a touchdown pass.

Defensively, sophomore Thomas Graham led the team with six tackles (4 solo) and three breakups.

San Diego Mesa College is scheduled to host Cerritos College at Merrill Douglas Stadium on Saturday, September 14, with kickoff set for 6:00 p.m. In their season opener, Cerritos College clinched a 44-23 victory over Antelope Valley College. The Falcons feature a balanced offensive attack with 197 passing yards and 145 rushing yards.

 (Photo: Nicole Noel)