CSM Bulldogs return to big dance

So far as head coach Tim Tulloch and company are concerned, the best is yet to come, as the Bulldogs head to Southern California to play for the 3C2A state championship. CSM will be vying for its third state title in four years, going up against So Cal champion Golden West College at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Saturday, at noon.

“What I think is really helping us bring in the top players ... is that our program is holistic,” Tulloch said. “You’re going to become a better human being, you’re going to become a better student. You’re also going to win championships.”

Sophomore Trevon Watson highlights the group of eight recent Division I signees. A second-year starting cornerback and dynamic kick and punt returner, Watson signed with University of Oregon, becoming the fourth CSM player in recent years to transfer to the Ducks, along with guard George Moore, safety Bennett Williams and cornerback Sione Laulea.

“What happened is the guys who are transferring on, they are highly successful, they are going on and representing our program,” Tulloch said, “and those coaches want to come back and get more.”

Watson was recently named the Bay 6 Conference Defensive MVP.

“He came in as a freshman (in 2024) and, as a true freshman, earned a starting job,” Tulloch said. “That’s not an easy thing to do. And we had a handful of guys this year, but that was him last year.”

CSM’s other early signees are Tyrell Miller, sophomore offensive lineman, University of Alabama; Kyle Hall, sophomore defensive back, Boise State; Jeramiah Lewis, freshman linebacker, San Diego State; Albert Tuakalau, sophomore edge rusher, University of New Mexico; Charleston Waugh, sophomore defensive lineman, Texas Southern; John Williams, sophomore right end, Central Michigan; and John Stowers, sophomore running back, Central Michigan.

“We’re going to have some more Division I signees by the end the end of the month,” Tulloch said. “We’ll be in double digits by the end of the month.”

The Bulldogs leave for Costa Mesa Friday morning with a police escort to the San Mateo city limit by the San Mateo Police Department. CSM takes the No. 1 defense in the state to match up with Golden West, ranking first in points per game allowed (13.0) and yards per game allowed (204.6).

While CSM reveled in 43-11 victory over Mt. San Antonio College in the 2024 state championship, much changed after the program transferred 47 players in the offseason.

“Each team is a new team and it starts in January, the building of the team,” Tulloch said. “Last year’s team closed the books in December, we graduated over 90% of our production from that team. ... You graduate mostly all your production. It’s mostly a new team.”

The undefeated Golden West Rustlers are appearing in its first state championship game, punching their ticket with a 33-15 win over Saddleback College last Saturday in the Southern California title game.

Freshman receiver Tanner Schmidt was the star of the show, totaling eight catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. The 5-11, 185-pound receiver ranks third in the state in receiving yards (1,183) and second in touchdown catches (16). Freshman quarterback Kauna’oa Kamakawiwo’ole was 18-of-27 passing for 272 yards and two touchdowns.

Kamakawiwo’ole has something in common with CSM freshman quarterback Luke Alexander, as both took over under center at the midseason mark. Alexander took over from freshman Johnny Koett in Week 6, and hasn’t relinquished the starting job, completing 55% of his passes this season while totaling 996 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions.

“It’s great to have two really good competitive guys that can lead your team,” Tulloch said. “So, Johnny led us through the first five games. ... [Alexander] has taken us through conference and through playoffs. You look at the Nor Cal championship game last week ... he’s got a really high completion rate and he’s making really good decisions with the ball. So, he’s earned the job.”