Comet defense hangs tough as they take down Jags

ESCONDIDO, CA (9/17/2022) -- Palomar defeated crosstown rival Southwestern College 17-0 in their home opener. 

The Comets went up 7-0 halfway through the first on a 12-yard run by Dorian Richardson to score the Comet's first touchdown since week one. Quarterback Kiah Reid and the Comet offense were threatening to score again from the Jaguar 8-yard line when receiver Ikakia Bell fumbled the ball and the Jaguars recovered the ball and returned it for 31 yards. With time ticking down in the first half, the Jaguars had 1st and goal at the six when Palomar's own Jaydon Brown intercepted the pass in the endzone to prevent the score. In the third, Landon Ogles hit a 31-yard field goal to give the Comets a 10-0 lead. Palomar's final score came on a 5-yard pass from Reid to running back Luke Armstrong in the fourth. 

For the third straight week the Comet defense has proven they're a force to be reckoned with. They allowed just 78 yards on the night with four sacks for 40 yards and 11 tackles-for-lass for 63 yards. Sophomore Jayson Pace led all Comets with seven tackles along with one sack and one tackle-for-loss. Freshman Nate Frankfather stepped into the limelight when he had a blocked punt to go along with six tackles, 0.5 sacks and two tackles-for-loss. Freshmen Masato Thompson, Monty Hunt and Jaydon Brown all recorded picks for Palomar, their third straight game with an interception and their second with two or more picks.  

Palomar's offense has been a sore spot this season, but they were able to get the run game going against the Jags. Freshman Dez Taua had 12 carries for 40 yards, leading all Comets, while Armstrong had five carries for 35 yards. Armstrong also led the receiving game with five receptions for 35 yards and one touchdown. Sophomore Tajae Brooks recorded three receptions for 25 yards.

The Comets move to 2-1 and will face College of the Canyons at home next Saturday for a 6 p.m. kickoff.