Saturday night football in the Central Coast region delivered an exciting contest as the San Jose State Spartans edged out the Cal Poly Mustangs, 30-20. The game, played at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, featured several key moments that highlighted the talent and determination of both squads.
First half: A balanced battle
Both teams started strong, trading scores and keeping the scoreboard tight. Cal Poly’s quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. moved the ball effectively, throwing for 249 yards and a touchdown. However, two interceptions stalled several promising drives for the Mustangs. San Jose State responded with a methodical ground game and timely passing, keeping the Spartans within striking distance.
Fourth quarter drama
With 14:29 left in the game, former Bishop Diego High School standout Misa Paiau found the end zone on a 1‑yard run, tying the game at 20‑20. The Mustangs’ momentum seemed to shift, but the Spartans answered quickly. A field goal restored a three‑point lead, and shortly thereafter, quarterback Luke Weaver connected on a 41‑yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Carson Clark, putting San Jose State ahead for good.
Key performances
- Luke Weaver (San Jose State) – threw a crucial 41‑yard touchdown and managed the offense efficiently in the final minutes.
- Carson Clark (San Jose State) – caught the game‑winning pass, showcasing his speed and route‑running.
- Anthony Grigsby Jr. (Cal Poly) – posted 249 passing yards and a touchdown, though two interceptions limited the Mustangs’ scoring opportunities.
- Misa Paiau (Cal Poly) – scored the tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter, demonstrating his red‑zone prowess.
Junior college results
In addition to the Division I matchup, several junior college games took place across the region. Cerritos defeated SBCC 27‑21, Ventura beat Bakersfield 21‑13, Chaffey outscored Moorpark 49‑27, and Golden West edged Hancock 31‑27.
Looking ahead
San Jose State improves to 3‑1 on the season and will aim to build on this win as they prepare for upcoming conference play. Cal Poly, now 2‑2, will look to tighten ball security and capitalize on scoring opportunities in their next outing.
The game was a reminder of the competitive spirit that defines Central Coast college football, offering fans a thrilling display of athleticism and teamwork.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
