Defending state champion Bulldogs begin 2025 with win over Sierra

SAN MATEO – The defending state champion College of San Mateo Bulldogs continued where they left off.

A little over eight months ago, CSM dispatched Mt. San Antonio College 43-11 at College Heights Stadium in the 2024 3C2A State Championship final for the program's second state title in three years.

Back at their home field on Saturday, the Bulldogs began their run to repeat as state champions with a 24-9 victory over Sierra College to kick off the 2025 season for both squads.

With the victory, CSM ran its impressive home winning streak to 24 games. The Bulldogs haven't loss at College Heights Stadium since late in 2021 season.

Freshman quarterback Johnny Koett had a solid CSM debut in helping lead his squad to victory. He threw a touchdown and ran in for another score while completing 10 of 18 passes for 179 yards.

His 5-yard TD run at the 6:35 mark in the third quarter extended a narrow 10-9 CSM halftime lead to a more comfortable 17-9 advantage.

Jamaal Wiley led CSM on the ground with 70 yards on 11 carries. He closed out the game's scoring with a 1-yard TD plunge in the fourth quarter. San Mateo controlled the tempo of the contest as they ran 38 times for 133 yards while doubling up Sierra in the time of possession battle (40:35-19:25).

Returning all-state kicker Dieter Kelly knocked in a 28-yard field goal to get San Mateo on the board in the first quarter.

The Bulldogs' defense allowed just three field goals and limited Sierra to 278 yards of offense. RJ Whitten ignited the home crowd with a pair of interceptions while Nate Abbott had a sack to go along with a pair of tackles.

CSM, now 1-0, travels to Reedley College next Saturday (Sep. 6) for a 1 p.m. non-league game. The Bulldogs will be back home on Sep. 13 to host Modesto Junior College in a rematch of last year's Northern California championship.