Chaffey College Football Falls To Palomar College 31-27 on Sophomore Day
by Aaron Rogers
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (11/1/2025)
After a loss to San Diego Messa College 31 -21, Chaffey Panthers hosted the Palomar Comets on Saturday, Nov. 1 in the last home game of the season. The Panthers entered the game with an overall record of 1-7, matched with Palomar's record of 1-7.
Saturday's game against Palomar was Chaffey's Sophomore Day. Sophomore Day celebrates the two-year players participating in their last home game before they graduate.
Before the game, players lined up to form a tunnel as each sophomore was introduced to the crowd.
"I am really thankful for my time here at Chaffey, honestly if it wasn't for Coach Ben Buys for coming to my school and recruiting me, I don't know if I would even be playing right now. I thank him and this coaching staff its really a blessing, " said sophomore offensive tackle John Salazar.
"My time here at Chaffey was good, the coaching staff is good and we have a really good program," said sophomore wide receiver Brennan White on his time at Chaffey.
Palomar did not waste any time setting the tone early, jumping to a 7-0 lead on the first drive with a 48 yard touchdown pass. Chaffey would respond quickly, tying the score at 7 with a touchdown to wide receiver Justin Benson. With a minute left in the first, Palomar made a field goal for a Comets' lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Chaffey took a 14-10 lead with another receiving touchdown by Benson. Palomar would answer back on the ground with rushing touchdown. Palomar took the edge, leading 17-14 heading into halftime.
Following the break, the Comets quickly scored two touchdowns to extend their lead 31-14.
Chaffey looked to spark a comeback as quarterback Evan Powell scored on a 58 yard touchdown run, narrowing the lead to just 10. Wide receiver Theodore Edquil scored a touchdown from quarterback Frankie Villalbazo to bring the score to 31-27.
However, the comeback fell short with that being the final. Chaffey did not recover from Palomar's third quarter outburst.
"Tough loss, little mistakes cost us the game. I am proud of our guys even though the record doesn't reflect it." said Salazar after the game.
The Panthers' offense totaled an astonishing 591 yards with 351 passing yards and 241 rushing yards. Unfortunately, they could not hold onto the ball, giving up 4 turnovers.
"We had some mistakes and a couple turnovers. If we minimize that then I think we would have won this game, we only lost by four." said White after the game.
Villalbazo went 17-30 with 197 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Powell went 10-20 with 154 passing yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Powell also rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown.
The Panthers' receiving core had four receivers with over 60 yards, led by Benson who scored two touchdowns and 68 yards. White finished with 86 yards. Nehemiah Harris and Nathan Enriquez both had 62 yards.
The Panthers' defense stuffed the Comets ground offense to -27 rushing yards. Palomar won the game with 370 total yards while the Panthers' defense racked up 3 sacks and 3 turnovers.
Chaffey heads on the road for their season finale to face Southwestern. Southwestern will head into the competition with a three game losing streak.
The game was on Saturday Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. PST.