Comets Push No. 11 Ventura Before Falling Late

SAN MARCOS, CA (8/30/2025) -- The 2025 football season opened with energy and expectation at Palomar College on Saturday night, where Palomar welcomed No. 11 Ventura in front of a packed crowd. For three quarters, the Comets traded punches with one of the top teams in the state, but the Pirates pulled away late for a 32-21 win.

The night didn't start in Palomar's favor. Ventura's offense methodically worked downfield on its opening drives, settling for a pair of field goals to take a 6-0 lead. But just when the visitors seemed in control, the Comets delivered a jolt. Chris Bausch broke through the line, slipped into the open field, and raced 52 yards to the end zone, sparking the home sideline.

That play flipped the momentum, and the Comets weren't done. Quarterback KJ Chatham wasted little time on the next series, orchestrating a quick four-play drive capped with a 26-yard strike to Princeton Anderson. In just over two minutes, Palomar had turned a deficit into a 14-6 lead.

Ventura clawed back with a short touchdown just before halftime, trimming the lead to 14-12, but the Comets carried confidence into the locker room.

The third quarter brought more fireworks. After Ventura regained the lead on a one-yard run, Chatham answered with another well-timed throw, this time to Furious Hoskins for a 15-yard touchdown that pushed Palomar back ahead, 21-18. The home crowd roared, sensing the upset was within reach.

But Ventura's balance began to show. The Pirates strung together a 78-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass, then extended their lead in the fourth quarter on a 24-yard quarterback keeper. Palomar's offense continued to push, but Ventura's defense closed the door down the stretch.

Bausch finished the night with 183 rushing yards on 19 carries, including the 52-yard score that electrified the stadium. Chatham threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to nine different receivers. Vincent Landry IV led with seven catches, while Anderson and Hoskins hauled in the scores.

Defensively, the Comets played with grit and edge. Lucas Valencia made 12 tackles, while Isaiah Strong added 13. The secondary was relentless, breaking up 11 passes — with James Coddington swatting down five on his own and Azlan Enriquez adding three. Special teams chipped in with two blocked kicks, including a momentum-shifting punt that was recovered at the Ventura two-yard line.

In the end, Ventura's 554 yards of offense and 35 minutes of possession proved too much. Still, Palomar's 427 total yards and ability to trade blows with a ranked opponent showed the Comets' potential as they embark on the 2025 season.

They'll travel to East Los Angeles College on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.