Issue Date: 10/26/09
Matt Christian leads Palomar
By Rob Harmeling
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The Comets took a commanding lead early on, scoring 17 points in the first quarter and 14 in the second, leaving Santa Ana trailing 31-10 at the half.
Quarterback Matt Christian, returning from the injured reserved list after missing two games, led the assault completing 17 of 31 passes for 225 yards while rushing for 76 yards on nine keepers. Christian stated he had some grip problems due to the taped hand but said it wasn't anything he couldn't play through.
Palomar's first touchdown came just two minutes into the game following a fumble recovery by Comet Lorenzo Davis, which set up the 17-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Paul Moore.
Davis also rushed for 65 yards and gained 42 yards on kick returns.
Running back Tyresse Jones ran for two touchdowns and 49 yards on eight carries while running back Noel Phillips ran for 65 yards on six carries and had one touchdown.
Wide receiver Javon Reynolds had six receptions for 83 yards.
The Comet's offense could not take all the credit for the victory, however. The Palomar defense held Santa Ana to only one field goal until the last play of the half, when quarterback Jordan Thomas connected with tight end Mario Pineda for a touchdown.
The Comet defense also recovered two more Santa Ana fumbles, one by Tyler Seau in the second quarter and the other by Tevin McCaskill in the third. Both recoveries led to Palomar touchdowns four plays later.
The Comets final scores of the game came in the third quarter with a 25-yard field goal by Kevin Ditch, his second of the night, and the second touchdown by Jones.
Ditch also kicked five one-pointers after the touchdowns.
The Comets were their own worst enemy in the fourth quarter, inundating themselves with unnecessary penalties, two of which were roughing the passer calls that came on third and long yardage for the Dons. Both penalties gave Santa Ana much needed first downs and helped to set up their last touchdown.
"Things got a little rough in the second half," Head Coach Joe Early said.
"That last drive they scored on never should have occurred."
The Comets also had three interference calls and a face mask penalty.
Running Back Tyler Lavea had his game cut short when he tore his MCL (medial collateral ligament). Lavea said he can walk on it but expects to be out for three to six weeks.
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