Football Preview: Week 5

SAN MARCOS, CA (9/27/21)- It's a backyard rivalry matchup this week for No. 25 Palomar as they take on No. 13/12 San Diego Mesa College. The Comets are coming off a 30-42 loss against College of the Canyons, while the Olympians are coming off a 45-35 win over Long Beach City College. In the last 10 matchups between the two schools, Palomar holds an 8-2 record, dropping the last two meetings. Expect this game to be an exciting one. 

Through four games, the Comets average 292 yards of offense while giving up 356 yards on the opposite side of the ball. The Comets average 22.5 points a game while giving up 20.8 points per game. Look for the Comets to improve their 3^rd down conversion rate, as they only completed 37% of their 3^rd downs attempts.

Comets quarterback Zeke Payne (Rancho Bernardo) is coming off a 23-39, 192 yards and two touchdown performance. Tawee Walker (Cenntennial) leads the running backs group, as he averages 5 yards a carry. Dennis Garrison (Ewing) leads the wide receivers group, with eight receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

The Comets defense is led by Luke Manos (Rancho Bernardo) who has 21 tackles, five tackles-for-loss totaling three yards, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Defensive back Ricky Davis Jr (Arbor View) has three interceptions to lead the Comets defense. Kicker Landon Ogles (Rancho Bernardo) has made all five of his field-goal attempts.

On the opposite side of the field, Olympians quarterback Gunnar Gray has hit 68 of 123 passes for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns. Running back Cael Patterson has 140 rush yards on 49 carries. Wide receiver Antwoine Sullivan has recorded 17 receptions for 311 yards and six touchdowns.

Olympians' defense is led by defensive back Kunio Makihele, who has notched 16 tackles and three pass breakups. Defensive lineman Blaze Zito has two sacks on the year. Kicker Dominic Camacho has made four field goals and 18 extra points.

The Comets look for their third win of the season before the bye week. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Escondido High School on Saturday, October 2^nd.

Story by Mac Pham