The Week in Palomar College Football

Mike Adams

November 20, 2014

Palomar Running Back #23 Deviante Sayles hurdles a Santa Ana defender during the second quarter and gained 20-yards on the play on Nov. 15. Sayles finished the game with 128 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. The Comets defeated the Dons 47-20 at Escondido High School, Escondido Calif. Photo: Philip Farry | The Telescope

The Comet’s Football team has had an eventful week. Starting this past Saturday with Palomar first defeating Santa Ana College 47-20 on at Escondido High’s Ralph Wilson Stadium, a win that secured the Comet’s a 6-4 record and their 23rd postseason appearance.

The Comet’s were ranked No. 8 in Southern California going into the game against the Dons and their dominating performance validated the ranking. The performances of Freshman running back Daviante Sayles (San Marcos High) on the offensive and Freshman safety Bryce Alexander (Brawley High) on the defensive sides of the ball stood out among the impressive Palomar game. Sayles rushed for 128 yards on 16 attempts and scored two touchdowns. Santa Ana quarterback Shane Truelove consistently challenged free safety Bryce Alexander who in turn responded with a school-record four interceptions. Alexander returned those four INT’s for a combined 72 yards. For his performance Alexander was honored as the PACC Southern Conference defensive player of the week.

As mentioned earlier, the victory meant that the Comets were bowl eligible with six victories and have been since selected to play in Patriotic Bowl against the Glendale College Vaqueros (9-1) this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Escondido’s Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Comets will look to improve their 14-8 overall bowl record in what will be a difficult game even with homefield advantage.

This is the Comet’s first appearance in a bowl game since 2011 and has come as somewhat of a surprise considering the 2-8 record Palomar finished with last season. The Comet’s will have to rely on a strong performance at the quarterback position from sophomore Mitch Bartram (Escondido High). Bartram won the starting job this season in a 3-way competition with Brett Hollingsworth and Austin Early and with the help of famed coach Bill Diedrick will look to lead his team Saturday afternoon.

So come to Escondido High at 2 p.m. on Saturday to cheer on your Comets! All active military and veterans will receive free admission with proof of service.

October 11, 2014 | # 84 Wayne Ganan leads Palomar Football team on the field Friday night at Escondido HS, in Escondido California. The Comets played host to the Moorpark Raiders. The Comets defeated the Raiders 45-44 (2OT) Photo Credit: Philip Farry | Copyright 2014 The Telescope

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