Mt. SAC Finishes as 3C2A State Championship Runner-Up
SAN MATEO – The Mt. San Antonio College Football Team has concluded the 2024 season as the 3C2A State Championship runner-up and a final record of 12-1. On a cold and cloudy day, with a high of 55 degrees and winds at 20 MPH, the Mounties fell to the College of San Mateo Bulldogs 43-11 on Saturday, December 14, at College Heights Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
San Mateo wasted no time establishing control, scoring two early touchdowns in the first quarter. Lolo Mataele's 1-yard touchdown run and Dominic Ingrassia's 1-yard quarterback sneak, both followed by successful PATs from Dieter Kelley, gave San Mateo a 14-0 lead. The Mounties struggled to find their rhythm, committing two turnovers on four plays, both of which San Mateo converted into points. Mt. SAC kicker Matthew Fidone attempted a 44-yard field goal, but strong winds thwarted the Mounties' effort to minimize the gap.
In the second quarter the Bulldogs added to their advantage with a safety and a 35-yard field goal by Kelly. Mt. SAC managed to get on the board late in the half with a 39-yard field goal from Fidone, but the Bulldogs went into the half with a 19-3 advantage.
San Mateo opened up the third quarter with a 40-yard kick return that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by James Monet. The Mounties answered with a 2-yard touchdown run by Samuel Green Jr., followed by a successful two-point conversion pass from quarterback Nicolas Ceballos, narrowing the gap to 26-11. However, that would be the Mounties' final score of the game. San Mateo answered with two more touchdowns, including another by Mataele, who racked up 166 rushing yards and two scores, and another by Ingrassia, marking his only two rushing touchdowns of the season.
In the fourth quarter, Mataele capped off his standout day with a 37-yard touchdown run, earning him the game's MVP award. Kelly followed with a 32-yard field goal, solidifying San Mateo's 43-11 victory and their 3C2A State Championship title.
This was Mt. SAC Head Coach Bob Jastrab's seventh trip to the State Championship in his remarkable 19-season career. Under his leadership, the Mounties have earned three state titles and four runner-up finishes. For College of San Mateo, Head Coach Tim Tulloch solidified his legacy, winning his second state title in just six seasons.
BY THE NUMBERS:
Total Offense:
Mt. SAC: 65 yards (68 passing, -3 rushing)
San Mateo: 267 yards (80 passing, 187 rushing)
Rushing Attack:
Mt. SAC: Struggled to establish a ground game with -3 net rushing yards on 23 attempts.
San Mateo: Lolo Mataele led the charge with 35 carries for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Passing:
Mt. SAC: Quarterback Noah Fuailetolo completed 11 of 23 passes for 68 yards with 2 interceptions.
San Mateo: Quarterback Dominic Ingrassia completed 10 of 23 for 80 yards with 0 interceptions.
Defense:
Mt. SAC: Recorded 10 tackles for loss for a total of 75 tackles, with Juan Salas recording a game-high 8 tackles.
San Mateo: Dominated with 6 sacks for 49 yards lost and 3 interceptions.
Time of Possession:
Mt. SAC: 17:52
San Mateo: 42:08
Special Teams:
Mt. SAC: Matthew Fidone made 1 of 2 field goal attempts for a long of 39 yards.
San Mateo: Dieter Kelly converted a 35-yard field goal and made all five extra point attempts.
UP NEXT:
The Mounties wrapped up an incredible season, going undefeated all the way to the championship game. Their hard work and determination made Mt. San Antonio College proud, and their resilience was on full display throughout the year. Thank you for an unforgettable season, Mountie fans—see you next year at Hilmer Lodge Stadium!
Story courtesy Mt. SAC Athletics
