Turnovers Costly in Eagle Loss at Mesa

The MSJC football team turned the ball over five times on Saturday night and couldn't overcome it as the Eagles fell on the road at San Diego Mesa 46-27.

The Eagles put themselves behind the eight ball right away when they threw a pick six on the opening play from scrimmage that gave the Olympians a quick 7-0 lead. MSJC did answer though two possessions later when they put together a 9 play 89 yard drive capped by a 38 yard Zach Zella touchdown run that evened the game at 7-7.  Mesa took advantage of another MSJC turnover late in the first quarter and scored on a short 6 play 26 yard drive to lead after one 14-7.

In the second quarter Mesa added a 25 yard field goal to push the lead to 17-7 and then benefitted from an errant long snap by the Eagles over the head of punter Konner Melzer and out of the end zone for a safety pushing their lead to 19-7.  The Olympians once again took advantage of good field position as they scored on their next drive going 50 yards in just two plays and led 26-7.  MSJC would find a way to kick a pair of field goals sandwiched around another Mesa TD to make the score 33-13 at the half.  Mason Krause connected on a 41 yard field goal and then a 30 yarder as time expired in the half.

The Olympians were able to add the first points of the second half as well opening the 3rd period with a quick 6 play 65 yard drive.  Elijah Simley would do all he could in the second half to keep MSJC's hopes alive as he scored on two throws from Zella in the fourth quarter, the first a 30 yard TD strike and the second form 5 yards out.  

The Eagles ended the night out gaining the Olympians on offense 388 to 327, but the five turnovers loomed large in the outcome.  It was also a game that saw 25 penalties called, 13 against MSJC and 12 against Mesa.

Zella finished his night 28 of 48 for 341 yards he threw for a pair of touchdowns and was intercepted twice.  Simley had a big night with 8 catches for 141 yards, Christian Kretz made 7 receptions for 99 yards.  Matthew Caldera had a team high 52 yards rushing on 9 carries.

Jaden Dillon led the Eagles' defensive effort with 6 solo tackles and a sack.  Tyrone Oloa and Lakion Fowler each also picked up a sack for MSJC, Carsten Mamaril had a pair of pass break ups.

The Eagles now stand at 1-6 on the season and 1-3 in National Southern League play, Mesa improved to 4-3 and 2-2.  MSJC returns to action next Saturday at 6 pm when they travel to Escondido High School to take on Palomar.  The Eagles return home on November 4th to HCN Bank Stadium to play Grossmont in a game that will also kick off at 6.