Coming off a season-opening win against East Los Angeles College, the San Diego Mesa College Olympians faced one of the toughest tests in Southern California, going up against Mt. San Antonio College. The Olympians battled until the final seconds but came up short in a 21-18 thriller.
Mt. SAC, a yearly powerhouse in the SCFA, entered the season with an undefeated 12-0 regular-season record last year and a runner-up finish in the state championship. "They're one of the premier programs in Southern California," said Mesa head coach Gary Watkins. "There's a reason they haven't lost in almost two years."
Mesa couldn't have asked for a better start. After his 92-yard kickoff return in the season opener, Aleonte Logan made another big play, this time catching an 83-yard strike from quarterback Reggie Johnson to put the Olympians up 7-0. The Mounties answered with a 10-play, 70-yard drive to tie the score, but a 42-yard field goal by Joshua Hossman sent Mesa into halftime ahead 10-7.
The second half belonged to Mt. SAC's ground game. The Mounties opened with a 61-yard drive capped by a two-yard Aiden Ramos touchdown run. While Mesa's defense played hard, Mt. SAC repeatedly extended drives by converting nine of 18 third downs and a critical fourth down. "We had chances to make stops, but they found ways to extend their drives," Watkins said. "That's what good teams do."
In the fourth quarter, Mt. SAC's Aiden Ramos scored again on a one-yard run, finishing a 12-play, six-minute drive that pushed the lead to 21-10. The Olympians didn't fold. Johnson hit Jay Porter for a 75-yard touchdown, and Mesa converted the two-point attempt to cut the deficit to 21-18. The defense forced a late three-and-out, giving the offense one last chance, but time ran out before the comeback could be completed.
"I'm extremely proud of the boys tonight," Watkins said. "We played tough, we fought in all three phases of the game, but we just came up a little bit short. They're a very good team, and we're a very good team."
Statistically, the game was even. Both teams finished with 369 yards of total offense. Mesa leaned on its passing game with 284 yards through the air, while Mt. SAC used its 166 rushing yards to control the clock limiting the Olympians to 56 total offensive plays compared to 78 for Mt. SAC.
"Sometimes you just have to tip your cap to your opponent," Watkins added. "In tight games, it usually comes down to momentum and who makes the key plays late."
The Olympians will host Citrus College on Saturday, September 13. The Owls are 1-1 after defeating Chaffey College 33-20 and last week falling to Saddleback College 45-28. Kickoff is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start.