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Mt. SAC's defense held Palomar’s offense scoreless in the 27-2 rout this past Saturday to claim the Southern California Football Championship. Mt. SAC is one game away from claiming the state title. They will play San Mateo this Saturday in Northern California.

Mt. SAC completely dominated Palomar. Last week I predicted that this would be a close, hard-fought game that might actually go into overtime because the two teams appeared to be evenly matched. Well, as they say, "the proof is in the pudding." It looks like I missed this one by a mile.

Mt. SAC’s defense caused Palomar to turn the ball over six of the 12 times they had the ball. They intercepted Palomar on five consecutive possessions and followed the interceptions with a forced fumble. Mt. SAC’s defense kept Palomar out of the end zone the whole day. Palomar's only points came from their defense.

The first play of the game was fantastic 70 yard kick off courtesy of Palomar’s Kevin Ditch. It was returned 30 yards and Mt. SAC wasted no time showing Palomar that they were in their house. Burton Iosefa gained ten yards on the ground yielding the first of 24 Mt. SAC first downs. On third and 14, quarterback Matt Faulkner connected with one of his favorite receivers, Jesse Canada, for an 18 yard gain. Three plays later, Faulkner hooked up with Lester Thomas for a 36 yard strike.The point after was good and Mt. SAC led 7-0.

Palomar had one good play in the ensuing drive. Quarterback Nate Ong completed a 13 yard pass to Martavious Lee. Nevertheless, Palomar was thwarted by the redoubtable Mt. SAC defense and they could not get within striking distance. Palomar had to punt.

The Palomar defense put up a valiant effort against Mt. SAC’s next drive, but could not keep them out of the end zone. It took Mt. SAC 12 plays to move the ball 80 yard which was capped off by a three yard touchdown Faulkner pass to Ernst Brun. Mt.SAC moves ahead 14-0.

Then a string of Palomar interceptions begin – the first of five in a row. The football gods smiled on Palomar on the first interception because Mt. SAC failed to capitalize by missing a field goal attempt; the first quarter ended 14-0, Mt. SAC

Palomar scores next thanks to their defense. Mt. SAC was pinned deep in their own territory and had to punt. The kick was blocked. Mt. SAC recovered the ball in the end zone resulting in a safety. With the safety, the score is 14-2 which is how the half ended.

The third quarter was a continuation of the first half for Palomar. The first drive of the second half began at the Palomar 20 yard line. Orenzo Davis got the hand off, but he is double teamed by Paul Dancy and Austin Daniels. Dancy forced the fumble at the Palomar 18 and Daniels recovered the ball. With excellent field position, it was just a matter of time before Mt. SAC would strike again. Again the football gods smiled on Palomar because their defense manged to hold them to a field goal. The Mt. SAC lead increased to 17-2

The next Mt. SAC scoring drive took 1:41 and three plays. The biggest play of the drive was a Faulkner pass to Michael Harrell for a 31 yard gain setting up the 17 yard touchdown run by Iosefa. The kick was good and the rout was well in hand.

Mt. SAC added three points in the fourth quarter giving them an easy win over Palomar with a score of 27-2.

Mt. SAC put up impressive numbers. They made 27 first downs, gained offensive 459 yards and forced six turnovers. Faulkner was 16 of 26 with 286 yards and two touchdowns. Iosefa gained a net 123 yards rushing. Canada had 101 yards receiving.

Mt. SAC will be facing a formidable opponent this Saturday. San Mateo's quarterback, Matt Pelesasa, has 21 touchdowns with 1621 yards passing this season. They have three solid running backs; David Aknin with 885 yards and 12 touchdowns, Matt Pelesasa with 515 yards and Will Frazier with 457. John Webster has 539 yards receiving.

Mt. SAC should be concerned that Bakersfield was the only team to threaten them in the post season, even though a 39-17 score doesn't seem like much of a menace. Nevertheless, Mt. SAC didn't dominate Bakersfield like the other two teams. Additionally San Mateo has been resting, and healing, for the past two weeks even though that can work against them: rust forms when you don't play.

The game in San Mateo will not be the cakewalk it has been so far in the playoffs. Mt. SAC can defeat San Mateo if they keep the turnovers to a minimum and the offense clicks. This should be a very close game, but I believe that Mt. SAC can win by seven points.