Jaguars score last-second 39-36 win at Glendale

Ryan Bowling (San Pasqual) kicked a 40-yard field goal with 3.9 seconds left to lift Southwestern to a thrilling 39-36 come-from-behind victory at Glendale in a non-conference game last Saturday. Robert Riggs (Southwest) completed 17 of 23 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns to put the Jaguars in position to grab the season-opening victory.

Southwestern will host East Los Angeles at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, in its home opener.

After struggling last season with a 2-8 record, the Jaguars’ returning players are looking to improve their record. Mike Pompa, who led Southwestern to two consecutive bowl appearances, returns as head coach after retiring due to an illness four years ago. Pompa said sophomore leadership will be a key factor to the team’s success in 2005.

Sophomore offensive impact players include Riggs, running back Michael Byrd (Asheville, N.C.), offensive lineman Russ Foster (Bonita Vista) and wide receiver Antuan Bloom (Miami Northwestern). Byrd and Bloom each had one touchdown reception in the win against Glendale.

Sophomore defensive impact players include linebackers Tony Koone (Asheville, N.C.) and Carlos Santamaria (Chula Vista), defensive back Desmond Benson (San Diego) and defensive linemen O.G. Nwagbuo (Mt. Miguel) and Mundrae Clifton (Mira Mesa).

Freshmen offensive impact players include running back Larry Richardson (Chula Vista), wide receiver Kevin Pike (Hilltop) and offensive lineman Julian Mendez (Marian Catholic). Richardson (70-yard punt return) and Pike both scored touchdowns in the season opener.

Freshmen defensive impact players include defensive linemen Clarence Richardson (Chula Vista) and A.J. Colbert (Newark, N.J.) and defensive back Travis Crawford (Chula Vista).

Southwestern College 2005 Schedule

September

3: Southwestern 39, Glendale 36

10: East Los Angeles at Southwestern, 5 p.m.

17: Antelope Valley at Southwestern, 5 p.m.

24: Southwestern at Grossmont, 3 p.m.

October

1: Chaffey at Southwestern, 5 p.m.

8: Southwestern at College of the Desert, 7 p.m.

15: Victor Valley at Southwestern, 1 p.m.

22: Bye.

29: Southwestern at San Diego Mesa, 1 p.m.

November

5: Mt. San Jacinto at Southwestern, 1 p.m.

12: Southwestern at San Bernardino, 1 p.m.

HH water polo

photo/phillip brents

Hilltop’s Greg Felix looks for an open pass in last Friday’s non-league game against Escondido at the Parkway pool. Felix had two goals in the game but the South Bay League team fell 4-3 to the Cougars in a game dominated by defense. Hilltop goalie Mitch Seeley had 21 saves in the loss. Hilltop, which held a 2-0 lead on Escondido at halftime, next plays San Pasqual on Tuesday, Sept. 13 in another non-league game at the Parkway pool.