The San Diego Mesa College football team finished the 2022 campaign with an impressive victory against El Camino College in the Southern California Bowl. The game went back and forth, and like most Mesa football games this year, the game was decided on the last possession.
El Camino struck first after Jose Murillo converted on a 33-yard field goal giving ECC a 3-0 lead. The Olympians quickly answered, going on an 8 play, 82 yard drive capped by a 10 yard touchdown run by Daniel Latanca propelling the Olympians to a 7-3 lead.
The score remained the same until late in the 2nd quarter when Gunnar Gray masterfully drove 72 yards finalizing the drive with a beautiful 22 yard touchdown pass to Anthony Gilpin that increased the Olympians lead 14-3.
With a little over 3 minutes left before halftime, the Warriors knew they had to stay close within striking distance, especially since Mesa was scheduled to start the second half with the ball. ECC quarterback Kijjon Foots, despite heavy pressure from Mesa's defensive line, was able to escape, converting on two 3rd and long plays. On another 3rd and 14 on the ECC 28, Foots was able to find Brenden Hoge for 20 yard gain. On a 3rd and 18, Foots was able to scramble out of pressure and connected on a beautiful 50 yard pass to Joshua Lorick placing the ball on Mesa's 10 yard line. Immediately after the long completion, Foots once again connected with Khyren Ross for a 10 yard touchdown pass bringing the score at El Camino 10, Mesa College 14.
After two consecutive three and outs in the 3rd quarter, followed by a fumble by Junior Akintunde which El Camino recovered on Mesa's own 27 yard line, the Warriors took advantage of the mistake scoring on a 3 yard touchdown by Brian Santana putting the Warriors up 17-14.
As expected, the Southern California Bowl was going to be a battle between two offensive minded teams. Being down late in the game for the Olympians is nothing new. They've been in this position before and like previous games, have always answered back. Down by 3 points, the incredible tandem of Gray and Sullivan once again answered the call. Gray was able to connect with Sullivan on a 52 yard touchdown pass putting the Olympians up 21-17 in the 4th quarter.
On the next ECC possession, Kijjon Foots was able to take the Warriors on a 6 play, 38 yard drive resulting in a successful field goal putting the score at El Camino 20, Mesa College 21.
As we've seen earlier throughout the game, the Warriors of El Camino were not going to let up and give the game to the Olympians. Despite a productive drive from Gunnar Gray that brought the ball down to El Camino's 31 yard line that a touchdown would have put the game away, El Camino's Omar Ibanez intercepted Gray's pass on the 31 yard line giving El Camino a chance to answer with their own game winning drive.
With 2:55 left in the 4th quarter, Foots completed two long passes of 15 and 11 yards, and after a defensive holding penalty, brought the ball to the SD Mesa's own 32 yard line. At 3rd and 2, Foots passed was brilliantly intercepted by Mesa's Bennet Walker as he stepped in front of the receiver, ensuring the victory for Mesa College.
NOTES:
* This is the second bowl game victory for head coach Gary Watkins having won the Southern California Bowl game in 2017 as an offensive coordinator after defeating Santa Ana College 37-34. Logan Vallo was name bowl MVP having rushed for 240 yards and Jordan Gochenour was named Mesa player of game.
* Gunnar Gray was named Southern California Bowl MVP finishing with 307 yards, 2 touchdowns (long 52), and 2 interceptions.
* Antoine Sullivan was named team MVP with 4 receptions, 88 yards, a long of 52, and 1 touchdown.