The MSJC football team will begin their 2024 season on Saturday night September 7th when they host perennial state power Mt. SAC at 6 pm at HCN Bank Stadium in Menifee.
The Eagles are coming off a season where they won four of their last five games on the way to a 4-6 season. Head Coach Casey Mazzotta, who is entering his 17th season, is excited for the year and hopes that a blend of returning sophomores along with a solid group of freshmen and transfers will give MSJC a strong chance to succeed this Fall.
Logan Gonzalez is expected to be the Eagles' starting quarterback Saturday night when the team takes the field against the Mounties. Gonzalez is a sophomore transfer from Portland State University where he played in four games last season for the Vikings. He is joined on the offensive side of the ball by a talented group of wide outs led by returners Christian Kretz and Koa Apana. Last season Kretz led the team in receptions with 54, he racked up 677 yards and scored 5 touchdowns. Apana made 40 receptions for 386 yards and also scored a TD. Those two will be joined by talented newcomers Donte Sams from Liberty High School and Jackson Weng out of Orange Lutheran. Gonzlaez will set up behind an offensive line anchored by sophomores Stone Wyatt and Craig Jackson as well as freshman Tomas Del Villar, he will also count on some blocking and receiving help from tight end Ali Gbaja-Biamila.
Mazzotta feels that his defense will also be up to the task this year led by a strong and deep contingent of defensive linemen. Jonah Sellers, Lakion Fowler, Robert Williams, Darius Holmes, and Vincent Perryman all return and will be joined by new Eagles Duke Zwicker, Frankie Alvarez, and Brye Lighon. The linebacking crew will be led by DeShawn Brooks and Issac Brown. Brooks is the team's top returning tackler from 2023 when he recorded 43 total tackles, 6.5 for loss, and added a sack and an interception. The MSJC secondary will have some new faces in 2024, but do have returners Greg Jackson and Chase Shackleford for some experience. They are expected to get help from Tyson Roberts, DJ Bryant, and Nate Frankfather among others.
The Eagles will play three of their first four games at home this season and for the second straight year play one of the toughest schedules in the State.
Please remember to buy your tickets through Hometown Ticketing MSJC Football Tickets Season Passes are also available.
For a complete 2024 Eagle football schedule follow the link below