Southwestern Shows a Preview of a Program Built to Last in Win over College of the Canyons
CHULA VISTA, CA – Relentless excitement and victory-tinged shouting that Southwestern College (1-0) unleashed on DeVore Stadium after 'upsetting' No. 24 College of the Canyons 26-24 on a warm sunny Saturday afternoon, represented both a celebration and a culmination.
In beating a Top 25 team, Southwestern rang in the 2025 season with a key signature win -- capped by a narrowly missed 28-yard field goal attempt from College of the Canyons as time expired. The victory provided an vivid example of what Southwestern College Football has been planning to become under second year head coach, Oscar Rodriguez. Escalating ambitions and the byproduct of an exacting plan, for both a game and a program, concisely executed.
It is very intentional how Southwestern is building this football program. A Division I model of operation built on a strong foundation of Love, Execution, Fundamentals, and Toughness to last a long time.
Per On3.com, "Another squad that surprised on opening day was Southwestern College, who beat previous No. 24 College of the Canyons, 26-24. JCGridiron Preseason Watch List quarterback Brayten Silbor was impressive, finishing 27-of-38 for 287 yards and three scores. Southwestern is on the bubble at No. 37 this week, which is the highest ranking for the Jaguars in Dirty 30 history".
"The final score was just confirmation of what we in the building already knew about our football program and the leap of progress from last season to this season. The national recognition is a testament to our continued focus on success", Southwestern athletic director Ron Valenzuela said. "We are not where we want to be, but we ain't where we used to be" Valenzuela added.
The Jaguars play their first road game of the season on Saturday, Sept. 6 against Orange Coast College (0-1) at 6:00 p.m.
Photo by Phillip Brents, The Star-News