Comets Battle Top-Ranked Mounties in Dual Meet

SAN MARCOS, CA (10/8/2025) -- Palomar Wrestling faced one of its toughest tests of the season on Thursday night, taking on state-No. 1 Mt. San Antonio College in a road dual that featured ranked matchups across nearly every weight. Despite dropping the team contest, the Comets showed fight throughout the lineup and closed strong behind wins from Jakar Carter and Nyeem Jones in the final two bouts.

Mt. SAC's top-ranked lineup jumped out early, picking up pins at 125 and 133 before extending its lead with a 17-2 tech fall at 141 and a narrow decision at 149. Nick Rodriguez, ranked No. 5 in the state, nearly scored a major upset, pushing No. 1 Michael Williams to the wire in a 2-1 decision that came down to a late escape in the final period.

At 174, Seth Iten delivered one of Palomar's strongest performances of the night, battling No. 9 Jacob Longcrier to a one-point match before falling 7-6. Sebastian Anderson also went toe-to-toe with the state's top-ranked 184-pounder, dropping a hard-fought 14-5 decision to Mt. SAC's Roman Loya.

The Comets found their breakthrough at 197, where No. 3 Jakar Carter turned momentum Palomar's way with a 10-5 decision over Cody South. Carter controlled the match from start to finish, using steady pressure and timely attacks to put the Comets on the board. Heavyweight Nyeem Jones followed with another strong effort, earning a 9-2 decision over E. Ryan to close the dual on a high note.

While Mt. SAC's top-to-bottom depth proved decisive, Palomar's late-match surge and competitive efforts at several ranked weights underscored the team's continued growth against elite competition.