San Diego secured a decisive 43-27 victory over Valparaiso on Saturday, powered by the impressive performance of Matt Colombo and Adam Criter. The duo combined for a remarkable 238 rushing yards, each scoring two touchdowns in the contest.
Colombo carried the ball 15 times for 121 yards, while Criter added 117 yards on 26 attempts. Together, they accounted for nearly all of the Toreros” rushing output, with quarterback Dom Nankil contributing just four yards on three carries.
Nankil also showcased his passing ability, completing 21 of 29 attempts for 219 yards and one touchdown, leading San Diego to improve their record to 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the Pioneer Football League.
In the first half, Valpo”s Rowan Keefe threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter, giving the Beacons a 14-13 lead at halftime. Criter”s 9-yard touchdown run in the third quarter briefly put San Diego ahead 20-14, but Valparaiso quickly regained the lead with Ryan Ricketti”s impressive 100-yard kickoff return, making it 21-20.
However, San Diego responded decisively, with Colombo scoring on a 3-yard run midway through the third quarter to give the Toreros a 26-21 advantage, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game. Keefe had a productive day, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns but struggled with three interceptions.
This performance marks a significant achievement for the Beacons, who, aside from a dominant 67-10 win against Virginia Lynchburg to start the season, had only surpassed 17 points in one other game this year.
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