SAN DIEGO – The Holiday Bowl returned to its Mission Valley roots this year, marking its debut at the newly built Snapdragon Stadium after previously being hosted at San Diego Stadium and Petco Park. The Holiday Bowl has long been a stage for excitement, drama, and memorable moments in college football. This year was no exception. Among the highlights of the December 27 matchup, which saw the No. 22 Syracuse Orange defeat the Washington State Cougars, 52-35, were the exceptional performances from local players who brought pride to our area. Among them were Perris native Dion Wilson Jr. and Fallbrook brothers Dean and Jack Janikowski.
It was a night to remember for Wilson Jr., a defensive lineman out of Perris who represented Syracuse. Wilson, affectionately nicknamed “Tank,” transferred to Syracuse in January 2024 following a standout collegiate career at Arizona and New Mexico State. His growing resume includes 62 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup across his career. Playing a crucial role on Syracuse’s defensive line, Wilson’s presence helped the Orange secure their first 10-win season since 2018.
Wilson, a three-star recruit from Orange Vista High School, was a force to be reckoned with in his high school days, where he earned accolades like All-Conference and All-District honors. Watching Wilson excel at the Holiday Bowl brought his early potential to life on a national stage.
On the other sideline, the Janikowski brothers represented their hometown of Fallbrook as part of the Washington State roster. Dean Janikowski, the team’s kicker, added five points, pushing his career total to 311—fourth-most in WSU history. Meanwhile, Jack Janikowski contributed 12 yards on a kick return and provided key blocks on special teams. While the brothers and their team ultimately came up short, their presence at one of college football’s most exciting bowl games highlights the talent pool from San Diego County.
Though the Cougars fell short in the end, the Janikowski brothers gave local fans plenty of reasons to cheer. Their family name, while often mistaken for ties to NFL legend Sebastian Janikowski, has now carved its own legacy in college football.
The excitement extended beyond the players on the field. The Paloma Valley High School JROTC and football teams contributed to the pregame festivities, proudly presenting the flag during the national anthem. Their involvement brought another layer of local pride to an event that already had deep Southern California ties.
The game itself was an electrifying display of offensive firepower. Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord earned Offensive MVP honors by throwing for 453 yards and five touchdown passes, tying the Holiday Bowl record. His standout performance included partnerships with targets like Trebor Pena and Oronde Gadsden II, who each hauled in two touchdowns. Running back LeQuint Allen Jr. added two rushing touchdowns and one receiving score to cap off a stellar 120-yard night.
While Washington State faced adversity, including the loss of numerous players to the transfer portal and a coaching shakeup, they kept the game competitive. Backup quarterback Zevi Eckhaus stepped up in a big way, throwing for 363 yards and three touchdowns.
Kyle Williams shone brightly for Washington State, setting a Holiday Bowl record with 172 receiving yards. His electric 66-yard catch and run for a touchdown during the first quarter was one of the game’s early highlights. Despite being undermanned due to coaching changes and players in the transfer portal, the Cougars kept it competitive until the second half, showing grit and determination throughout.
The crowd of 23,920 at the Snapdragon Stadium was treated to a game that reflected the Holiday Bowl’s tradition of high-scoring affairs. The 87 combined points made it one of the highest-scoring games in the bowl’s 45-year history. Syracuse’s offense was firing on all cylinders, contributing to their 10-3 record and cementing their dominance in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Washington State, despite their loss, proved their mettle with gutsy plays and standout individual efforts.
For the local players who graced the Holiday Bowl stage, it was a moment to remember—a chance to display their talent and make their hometowns proud. Snapdragon Stadium is now home to stories that continue the tradition of excellence in college football.
The Holiday Bowl, which has occupied three venues across its storied history, feels at home once again in Mission Valley. From San Diego Stadium to Petco Park and now to this state-of-the-art facility, its legacy continues to draw fans, players, and moments that define the spirit of college football.
Syracuse now looks ahead to its 2025 opener against Tennessee at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on August 30. Washington State, meanwhile, begins a new chapter as they search for a head coach and prepare to host Idaho on the same date. For the locals who took part in this year’s game—from players to participants in the flag ceremony—the Holiday Bowl was a platform to share their talent and passion for the sport with the world.
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