The Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) football team has a lot to look forward to in the 2023 season. Not only will they play their home games in a brand new stadium on the Menifee campus, but they will also compete in a new conference with higher-level opponents. The Eagles are ready to face the challenges and opportunities that come with these changes.
A State-of-the-Art Facility for the Eagles
The Stadium at Menifee, a $41-million project that was completed in the spring of 2023, is the new home for the MSJC football team. The facility features a 5,000-seat stadium and field house, a softball field and sand volleyball courts. The stadium also has a press box, concession stands, restrooms, locker rooms, offices and storage areas.
The new stadium is part of the MSJC’s expansion plan for the Menifee campus, which aims to accommodate the growing student population and offer more academic and athletic programs. The stadium will also host other events such as graduation ceremonies, concerts and community gatherings.
The MSJC football team moved into the new facility in time for summer practice and was impressed by the quality and design of the stadium. Coach Casey Mazzotta said that having a state-of-the-art facility has made it an exceptional place for the players to develop. He also said that he is excited to give the community something to rally around on Saturday nights.
A New Challenge for the Eagles
The MSJC football team will also face a new challenge in the 2023 season as they have moved into the National Division and the Southern League. This means that they will play against some of the best teams in the state, such as Riverside City College, Saddleback College and Fullerton College.
The Eagles are coming off two of their most successful seasons in the Mazzotta era as they won back-to-back American Mountain League championships and in 2022 won the American Division title. They also appeared in a bowl game for three straight seasons.
Mazzotta said that the expectations have not changed for the team despite the tougher competition. He said that their plan is to compete for a conference championship and to reach a bowl game. He also said that they need to stay focused and take it one week at a time.
A Balanced Roster for the Eagles
The MSJC football team will rely on a balanced roster of returning players and newcomers heading into their opening game at Mt. SAC on Saturday night. The following week, they will open their new stadium in Menifee with a home game against Palomar College.
On offense, the Eagles will have running back Matthew Caldera back for his sophomore year after he had 654 all-purpose yards and scored six touchdowns in 2022. He will be joined by returning all-conference lineman Tommy Garcia and wide receiver Christian Kretz. Newcomers such as running back Mykai Skinner, wide receivers Elijah Simley and Malik Blackmon, and center David Shinn are also expected to be early contributors.
On defense, the Eagles will have a strong group of linemen led by Tevita Hailalilo and Jahy Osuna, who will be joined by freshmen Vincent Perryman, Darius Holmes and Jonah Sellers. Tyrone Oloa will anchor the linebacking crew with help from freshmen DeShawn Brooks. The secondary will feature Quentin Evans, Carsten Mamaril and Kamari Ross, who are all back for their sophomore year. Evans is the team’s top returning tackler with 47 total stops in 2022. Mamaril led the team with four interceptions and also had two sacks and 40 tackles. Freshmen Zay Lopez and Jaden Dillon will also help solidify the secondary.
The MSJC football team is looking forward to making history in their new stadium and new conference in 2023. They hope to continue their winning tradition and make their fans proud.
