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Lions Enter Rankings At Mid-Season
Posted: Oct 01, 2025

Lions Enter Rankings At Mid-Season

 

With a perfect 5-0 record, the De Anza College Mountain Lions entered the Junior College Athletic Bureau rankings at No. 24 - as voted on by state coaches. De Anza is the highest-ranked American Division team in California.

As the Lions enter Bye Week and the halfway mark, they look to win a second straight league title under head coach Joe D'Agostino - preparing to host Hartnell College on Oct. 11 to start American Division Golden Coast play.

Behind a balanced offensive attach and a relentless defense, De Anza has outscored opponents 166–65 through five games.

 

Offensive Leaders

  • Quarterback Ian Kirby — The freshman signal caller has completed 107 of 153 passes (69.9%) for 1,318 yards and 13 touchdowns. Kirby ranks among the top passers in Northern California, averaging 263.6 yards per game.

  • Wide Receiver Akeem Wright — A dynamic deep threat, Wright leads the team with 29 receptions for 482 yards (96.4 per game) and 4 touchdowns.

  • Wide Receiver Jadhari Young — A consistent playmaker, Young tops the roster in receptions (31) while adding 387 yards and 4 scores.

  • Receivers Te'Ron Nix and Aaron Rocke have been reliable red-zone options, combining for 29 catches and 5 touchdowns.

  • Running Back Isaiah Addison — The spark on the ground, Addison has rushed for 270 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

  • Running Back Ke'Yon Torain — A workhorse in short-yardage situations, Torain leads the team with 5 rushing touchdowns and 199 yards on 53 carries.

 

 Special Teams Impact

  • Chris Butler electrified fans last week with an 80-yard kickoff return touchdown and continues to make noise with a 29.3 yard average on returns.

  • Armando Rodriguez has been nearly automatic in the kicking game, converting 21 of 22 PATs and 2 field goals for 27 points.

  • Ethan Ros and Curtis Eley have added valuable field position with long returns and solid coverage work.

 

Defensive Standouts

De Anza's defense has allowed opponents just 13 points per game (tied for second fewest in the state), producing 14 sacks and 5 interceptions while forcing 5 fumbles. DA has held opponents to just 491 rushing yards total (98 per game) and a 46% completion rate through the air.

  • Hosea Addison — Team leader in tackles with 34 (20 solo), including 4 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

  • Hosie Hopkins — A disruptive force up front with 4 sacks and 22 tackles, including 4 for loss.

  • Jaden White — Has 26 tackles and a team-high 5.5 tackles for loss.

  • My'Zel Brunson — A consistent playmaker with 12 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and an interception.

  • Lamar Heath and Andrew Rheubottom anchor the interior with 3 combined sacks and 4 tackles for loss.

 

 

Team Snapshot

  • Record: 5-0 (2-0 home, 3-0 away)

  • Scoring Average: 33.2 points per game

  • Total Offense: 276.8 passing / 128.8 rushing yards per game

  • Turnover Margin: +2 on the season

 

Quotes

"Our theme of '1-0 each week' continues to be the approach," D'Agostino said.

"We will continue to evolve in all three phases, as we get healthier and find ways to improve. Our sophomore leaders have really stepped up to model the culture in daily habits. This is a special group with the potential to have a special season."