NOLAN LUMBY / CONTRIBUTOR

In Princeton, NJ, at Powers Field what started as a nightmare turned into a defining moment for the Torero football program. On a humid Saturday evening in New Jersey, the University of San Diego Toreros reversed what appeared to be a blowout, overcoming a 21-point deficit in the first quarter to stun Princeton with a final score of 42–35. This comeback was remarkable  and  unprecedented.

   At the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard painted a bleak picture: Princeton 21, San Diego 0. The Tigers had easily penetrated the Toreros’ defense, racking up 338 yards in the first half, finishing  drive after drive   with  impressive long passes and powerful runs. By the end of the second quarter, the score had swelled to 35-14. 

  For many visiting teams facing an Ivy League opponent, the game might have felt over at this point. However, USD stood their ground and refused to back down.

 Both of the Toreros’ quarterbacks  proved  effective in  keeping the  team competitive. 

  USD sophomore Tyler Voss  handled the majority of the passing responsibilities, completing 25 of 34 attempts for 237 yards and three touchdowns. USD freshman Dom Nankil stepped in at key moments, and together, the two QBs combined for a total of 352 passing yards.

    Their targets spread the field, giving Princeton’s secondary fits. Wideouts graduate student Josh Heverly — eight catches, two touchdowns — senior Cole Monach — seven catches— and sophomore Christopher Hall — seven catches—  all chipped away at the lead, ensuring the Toreros stayed within striking distance. Heverly’s remarkable one-handed grab for a touchdown sparked USD’s scoring, but Princeton’s offense remained on top in the first half.

It was during the halftime break that everything changed. USD Defensive Coordinator Bobby Jay had his unit come out looking completely different from the group that had given up five touchdowns in the first half.    

   In  the final two quarters the Toreros’ defense tightened up, allowing just 64 total yards and no points. Princeton lost its rhythm; running lanes were closed off, and the quarterbacks were forced into making rushed throws.

   USD  senior   linebacker   Ryan Meloche led the resurgence with 10 tackles, while USD  sophomore and  defensive lineman    Nate  Fischer  provided  key pressure. Suddenly, the Toreros were swarming to the ball, and the sideline   was  filled   with energy.

USD  Torero’s celebration after an unexpected win over St. Thomas. Photo courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram

   The highlight of the night came from a senior making his first career start. USD senior running back Adam Criter, filling in for the injured standout Matt Colombo, became the team’s driving force. Criter carried the ball 25  times for  105 yards, but the statistics only hint at his  actual  impact. In the fourth quarter alone, he scored three consecutive touchdowns each time charging into the end zone untouched. The defining moment of the game came with 1:04 remaining. After an 11-play, 81-yard drive led by Voss, Criter took a handoff on second-and-goal from the eight. He broke free and sprinted  into the end zone, giving  San Diego the lead for the first time that night.

  One final test remained. Princeton had 64 seconds to answer, and the Tigers swiftly moved    down the field. With just eight seconds left on the clock,  Princeton’s  quarterback Kai  Colon   launched a desperate Hail Mary pass toward the end zone. A hush fell over Powers Field as players in orange and white jerseys converged.The ball was battled down and the Toreros  were  victorious.       The players sprinted onto the field, filled with a mix of disbelief and jubilation. For a program that is recognized for its Pioneer Football League titles, but often overlooked on a national level, this victory made a strong statement: San Diego  can  compete  with the Ivy League and emerge victorious.

   In just his second season as head coach, Brandon Moore viewed the victory as more than just a statistic in the win column;  it  was  a  demonstration of proof of concept. 

   In a post game interview Moorre   explained the Torero’s stance. “It’s a statement  for the program that we  can win  games like this when things aren’t going well, and we  can turn  it around and capitalize,” Moorre said. “His team showcased resilience, adaptability, and trust — qualities that not only win games but also build a positive team culture.”

  The recent victory gives USD a solid 2–2 record in non-conference play as they transition into the Pioneer Football League (PFL). This momentum is a valuable asset that extends beyond the statistics. 

 The Toreros defeated St. Thomas in their PFL opener, on  Saturday Sept. 27. The final score was 30 – 27, even though the Torero’s were originally down at first, similar to the game in New York. USD Football is heading back to New York  to take on  Marist  at Leonidoff Field on Saturday, Oct. 4.

No. 17  Cole Monach  jumps over defense at Powers Field in Princeton, NJ. Photo courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram