Prep Football: San Diego Union Tribune Sportswriters/Sportscasters Poll (Week 2)

Grossmont lands in the Top 10 following a victory over previously ranked El Camino.

Team; Record; Points; Last Week

1. Carlsbad (16); 2-0; 223; 2

2. Cathedral Catholic (6); 1-1; 200; 1

3. Mission Hills (1); 2-0; 190; 3

4. Lincoln; 1-1; 157; 4

5. Mater Dei Catholic; 2-0; 139; 5

6. Helix; 2-0; 91; NR

7. Granite Hills; 2-0; 69; NR

8. Grossmont; 2-0; 60; NR

9. Scripps Ranch; 2-0; 46; NR

10. Torrey Pines; 0-1; 42; 9

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

Points awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis

Others receiving votes: El Camino (1-1, 11 points), Poway (1-1, 10 points), Ramona (2-0, 8 points), 

La Jolla (1-1, 7 points), Oceanside (1-1, 4 points), El Capitan (2-0, 3 points), Eastlake (1-1, 1 point), 

Santa Fe Christian (2-0, 1 point).

Voters: 23 sportswriters, sportscasters, and administrators from throughout the county - John Maffei (San Diego Union-Tribune), Terry Monahan, Steve Brand, Jim Lindgren, Rick Hoff, Eric Williams and Thomas Gutierrez (freelance writers), Nic Pollino and John Carroll (KUSI-TV), Rick Smith (ParteltonSports.com), Adam Paul (ECPreps.com), Bodie DeSilva (ScorebookLive.com), John Kentera and Braden Suprenant (97.3-FM The Fan), Ramon Scott (EastCountySports.com), Steve Dolan (Mountain Country 107.9-FM, Christian Pedersen (San Diego Sports Association), Troy Hirsch (Fox 5 San Diego), Joe Heinz, Todd Cassen, Ron Marquez and Mike Dolan (CIF Office), Raymond Brown (sdfootball.net).

SDFN Top 10 Players of the Week (Aug. 26-28)

RB Paulo Burak - Carlsbad

13 carries for 172 yards & 2 Touchdowns

3 catches for 112 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Millikan (Long Beach, CA)

ATH Giovanni Burns - Grossmont

2 Touchdown Receptions

1 Interception

vs. El Camino

WR Conor Lawlor - Scripps Ranch

10 catches for 117 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. La Jolla

RB LaDainian Lawrence - University City

16 carries for 145 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Del Norte

QB Jax Leatherwood - Scripps Ranch

358 passing yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. La Jolla

ATH Nico Mosley - Mater Dei Catholic

7 carries for 134 yards & 2 Touchdowns

1 Interception Return Touchdown

vs. Westview

ATH Kenny Spence - Hoover

10 of 17 completions for 196 yards & 3 Touchdowns

12 carries for 113 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. El Cajon Valley

RB Gino Trapasso - Rancho Buena Vista

20 carries for 233 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Monte Vista

RB Christian Washington - Helix

20 carries for 231 yards & 3 Touchdowns

1 Interception

vs. Otay Ranch

ATH Chris Williams - Francis Parker

3 Total Touchdowns (2 Rushing, 1 Reception)

2 Interceptions

vs. The Meadows (Las Vegas, NV)

Prep Football: Grossmont stuns #6 El Camino

Following a hard-fought victory over the No. 6 ranked El Camino Wildcats (1-1), we spoke to Grossmont Foothillers' (2-0) first-year head coach Timothy Holmes, senior quarterback Trenton Giles, and two-way athlete Giovanni Burns to discuss the 35-22 win.

SDFN Top 10 Results

#1 Cathedral Catholic (1-1) - Loss to Centennial (Corona, CA) 14-57

#2 Carlsbad (2-0) - Def. Millikan (Long Beach, CA) 48-3 #3 Mission Hills (2-0) - Def. Palos Verdes (Palos Verdes Estates, CA) 42-7 #4 Lincoln (1-1) - Loss to Los Alamitos (CA) 17-21 #5 La Jolla (1-1) - Loss to Scripps Ranch 51-52 #6 El Camino (1-1) - Loss to Grossmont 22-35 #7 Eastlake (1-1) - Loss to Poway 7-21 #8 Mater Dei Catholic (2-0) - Def. Westview 53-6 #9 Otay Ranch (1-0) - Loss to Helix 14-29 #10 Granite Hills (2-0) - Def. Valhalla 62-0

Week 2 Football Preview Show - Prep Insider

We had the honor and privilege of joining the San Diego Prep Insider and some of the top media members in San Diego to discuss the best performances in week one and make predictions for the upcoming games this Friday. 

Please follow SDPI on Twitter, Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.

SDFN Top 10 Players of the Week (Aug. 19-21)

Samuel Cooper IV - University City

312 passing yards & 4 Touchdowns

100 rushing yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Fallbrook

Jalen Daniels - Lincoln

7 Total Touchdowns

7/12 Completions for 241 yards & 5 Touchdowns

2 Rushing Touchdowns

vs. Monte Vista

Josh Davis - Carlsbad

6 Catches for 128 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Great Oak (Temecula, CA)

Cayden Dawson - University City

3 Catches for 91 yards & 2 Touchdowns

10 Tackles, 2 Sacks, & 4 TFL

vs. Fallbrook

Clash Orsborn - Mission Bay

15/17 completions for 306 yards & 5 Touchdowns

1 Rushing Touchdown

vs. El Cajon Valley

Jalen Shaw - Scripps Ranch

4 Total Touchdowns (3 Rushing)

2 Interceptions (1 returned for Touchdown)

vs. San Pasqual

Jackson Stratton - La Jolla

5 Touchdown Passes

vs. Bishop’s

Gino Trapasso - Rancho Buena Vista

15 carries for 173 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Castle Park

Christian Washington - Helix

17 carries for 202 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Mira Mesa

Savigon Yokley - El Capitan

6 Total Touchdowns (2 Rushing, 2 Passing, 1 Receiving)

vs. Canyon Hills

Prep Football: Defense shines as Granite Hills defeats Poway, 14-10

In a great defensive effort by both teams, the No. 12 Granite Hills Eagles (1-0) held off the visiting No. 10 Poway Titans (0-1) 14-10 to open the season.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Corey Thompson-Miller picked off Dylan Curry's tipped pass to set up a 19-yard TD pass from Domenico Tomasello to Derek Edmonds as the Eagles took a 7-0 lead into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Titans took control after Curry's quarterback scramble drew a late hit penalty that led to Ryan Mancuso's goal-line dive touchdown that tied the game at 7.

Maddox Ditalo came up big with an interception, but it only led to a James Wagenseller 37-yard field goal that gave Poway a 10-7 lead in the third quarter.

Granite Hills sealed the win in the fourth quarter with a 16-yard rushing score by Zak Darling and a game-clinching interception by Joaquin Thomas Jr, who we had the chance to speak with after the game.

Next week Poway opens its home schedule against Eastlake, while the Eagles return to Granite Hills Stadium to host Valhalla.

Preseason Top 10 Results

#1 Cathedral Catholic - Def. Torrey Pines 28-14

#2 Carlsbad - Def. Great Oak (Temecula, CA) 35-14

#3 Mission Hills - Def. Chaparral (Temecula, CA) 24-13

#4 Lincoln - Def. Monte Vista 49-0

#5 La Jolla - Def. Bishop's 42-3

#6 El Camino - Def. #8 St. Augustine 21-13

#7 Eastlake - Def. Steele Canyon 10-6

#8 St. Augustine - Loss to #6 El Camino 13-21

#9 Mater Dei Catholic - Def. Brawley 53-21

#10 Poway - Loss to Granite Hills 10-14

Prep Football: The top team in each city entering the 2021 season

Inspired by a recent CBS Sports article listing the top college football teams in each state, here are our top teams from each city in the San Diego Section that features more than one football program. Our list is based on recent head-to-head matchups and team success.

City (# of Teams) - School

Calexico (2) - Vincent Memorial Scots

Vincent Memorial ended its shortened spring 2021 season with a 40-0 rout over their inner-city rival Calexico Bulldogs. The Scots have won the last four games and hold a 4-2 lead in the series that started in 2004.

Carlsbad (3) - Carlsbad Lancers

The Lancers are not only running the city it was named after, but they have also been one of the top teams in the sections over the last three seasons with two straight Open Division berths and a 5-0 finish during the spring. While Carlsbad has won the last three games in the series, La Costa Canyon isn't too far behind and will have a shot to regain the crown on October 22nd.

Chula Vista (8) - Eastlake Titans

While Mater Dei Catholic enters the season with one of the most talented rosters in the county, the road to Chula Vista supremacy still runs through Eastlake, who is coming off their third straight Metro-Mesa League title. Otay Ranch is also a team to watch for following a successful run during the spring.

El Cajon (6) - Granite Hills Eagles

The defending Grossmont-Hills League champions ended one of their best seasons in team history as not only the top team in El Cajon but all of East County. With a full season ahead, the Eagles will be tasked with defending their city crown against Valhalla and Grossmont and a much as an anticipated rematch with Helix at the end of the regular season that could decide the league title.

El Centro (2) - Central Spartans

The Spartans have been the top team in the Imperial Valley for the last few seasons and have won their last two meetings over Southwest-El Centro. The Eagles enter the new campaign looking to earn their first winning season since 2017, the last time they beat Central.

Escondido (5) - San Pasqual Golden Eagles

San Pasqual is currently riding a 17-game winning streak against teams they share the city with, including 11 straight wins over Orange Glen and six straight wins over Escondido.

La Jolla (3) - Bishop's Knights

This may be a controversial pick due to La Jolla's success over the last two seasons, including a run to the state championship followed by a 5-0 finish this past spring. However, in four previous meetings, Bishop's have won all four, which is why we chose them instead of the worthy Vikings. Lucky for us, the two teams will battle it out this Friday in their first meeting since 2019, where the Knights came away with an 18-9 victory. While La Jolla Country Day isn't scheduled to face La Jolla, they will have an opportunity to end an eight-game losing streak over Bishop's later in the season.

Oceanside (2) - El Camino Wildcats

While Oceanside has won nine of the last ten matchups, the crown belongs to El Camino until the two teams meet again during the regular-season finale on October 29th. The spring season game was canceled, giving the Wildcats an extra year of bragging rights coming off a 28-24 win in their last meeting in 2019.

San Diego (27) - Cathedral Catholic Dons

Following a dominant spring, which ended with a 5-0 record and a total score of 223-14, the Dons enter the new campaign as not only the top team in America's Finest City but the entire San Diego Section. They were also ranked 24th in the nation by SB Live Sports. Lincoln, who was the last team from the city to defeat Cathedral, will have their shot when they meet in the regular-season finale for a matchup that could decide the Western League crown. Meanwhile, the Dons will open their schedule up the road when they face Del Mar Heights rival, Torrey Pines.

San Marcos (2) - Mission Hills Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have won the last two Discovery Bowls by a landslide, while San Marcos is seeking its first winning season since 2018.

Santee (2) - West Hills Wolfpack

The Wolfpack reclaimed the Mayor's Cup this past spring after knocking off previously undefeated Santana 20-7. West Hills has won the last seven of eight meetings in the series and will see their arch-rivals again on October 22nd.

Spring Valley (3) - Steele Canyon Cougars

The Cougars have never lost to Mount Miguel and have won seven of the previous eight meetings against Monte Vista, including a 27-18 victory in their previous matchup last spring. Steele Canyon isn't scheduled to face neither team this season.

Vista (3) - Vista Panthers

The Panthers won their last two meetings over Rancho Buena Vista by a combined score of 100-16 and will attempt to make it three straight on October 22nd.

Teams that have their city to themselves:

Blythe - Palo Verde Valley

Brawley - Brawley Wildcats

Calipatria - Calipatria Hornets

Coronado - Coronado Islanders

Fallbrook - Fallbrook Warriors

Holtville - Holtville Vikings

Imperial - Imperial Tigers

Imperial Beach - Mar Vista Mariners

La Mesa - Helix Highlanders

Lakeside - El Capitan Vaqueros

National City - Sweetwater Red Devils

Pine Valley - Mountain Empire 

Poway - Poway Titans

Ramona - Ramona Bulldogs

Solana Beach - Santa Fe Christian Eagles

Valley Center - Valley Center Jaguars

Prep Football Preseason Power Rankings

Here is our Top 20 Prep Football teams heading into the upcoming season which kicks off August 20th.

#1 Cathedral Catholic Dons

#2 Carlsbad Lancers

#3 Mission Hills Grizzlies

#4 Lincoln Hornets

#5 La Jolla Vikings

#6 El Camino Wildcats

#7 Eastlake Titans

#8 St. Augustine Saints

#9 Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders

#10 Poway Titans

#11 Torrey Pines Falcons

#12 Otay Ranch Mustangs

#13 Granite Hills Eagles

#14 Oceanside Pirates

#15 Helix Highlanders

#16 Ramona Bulldogs

#17 Rancho Bernardo Broncos

#18 Madison Warhawks

#19 Grossmont Foothillers

#20 San Marcos Knights

2021 SDFNL San Diego Kickoff Classic

This Friday and Saturday, San Diego Friday Night Lights returns their annual 2021 SDFNL Kickoff Classic in effort to donate more canned food items to the San Diego Food Bank. The event will take place at both Granite Hills and El Capitan high schools and will feature five scrimmage games at each location. The price of admission is one canned food item.

Friday, August 13

Granite Hills High School

Lincoln vs. Granite Hills - 5:00 pm

Mt. Empire vs. San Diego - 7:00 pm

El Capitan High School

Coronado vs. La Jolla Country Day - 5:00 pm

La Jolla vs. Valhalla - 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 14

Granite Hills High School

Compton Centennial vs. Morse - 3:00 pm

Mira Mesa vs. Olympian - 5:00 pm

Steele Canyon vs. Mater Dei - 7:00 pm

El Capitan High School

Calipatria vs. Hoover - 3:00 pm

Brawley vs. Scripps Ranch - 5:00 pm

Imperial vs. El Capitan - 7:00 pm

IX Cup Preview: San Diego vs. Texas Elite

Basic Information

🏆 2021 WNFC IX Cup Championship

🏈 #2 San Diego Rebellion (8-0) vs. #1 Texas Elite Spartans (8-0)

📍 Apogee Stadium (Denton, Texas)

📅 Saturday, August 7th 🕠 5:30 p.m. PT

💻 watchvyre.com

The San Diego Rebellion and Texas Elite Spartans meet in the 2021 WNFC IX Cup Championship game Saturday, August 7 at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas, home of the University of North Texas football team. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (PT) and will be livestreamed on various platforms. This will be the first-ever meeting between these teams.

In only their third season of play, the Rebellion will compete in its first-ever league championship game. San Diego is coming off a 22-18 win over the No. 1 seeded Utah Falconz in the Pacific Conference Championship on July 17th. San Diego became only the third team to ever defeat the Falconz, who will miss out on a championship appearance for the first time in its history.

Texas Elite is fresh off a 27-10 victory over the No. 2 seed Alabama Fire in the Atlantic Conference Championship, a game that was played on a neutral site in Atlanta, GA. The defending WNFC champions are looking for their second straight Title IX cup, and third title overall. Since the team debuted during the 2018 season, the Spartans boast a perfect 23-0 all-time record.

Prep Football: Top 21+21 in 2021 (OL)

Here is the list of our Top 42 Centers, Guards, and Tackles heading into the 2021 season.

Name (School) Graduation Class

Sam Alligood (La Jolla Country Day) 2022

Nathan Bence (Tri-City Christian) 2022

Luke Bolin (St. Augustine) 2022

Josiah Brown (Ramona) 2022

Shane Cagle (Mater Dei Catholic) 2022

Zoom Esplin (La Costa Canyon) 2022

Jagger Filippone (Torrey Pines) 2022

Dylan Fortune (Cathedral Catholic) 2022

Ruben Garcia (Scripps Ranch) 2022

Seth Garland (Mira Mesa) 2022

Daniel Herrera (Oceanside) 2023

Logan Hicks (Steele Canyon) 2022

Joey Hiner (Mater Dei Catholic) 2022

Riley Johnson (Ramona) 2022

Jacob Laga (El Camino) 2022

Louie Lauifi-Tufaga (Cathedral Catholic) 2022

Preston Lauifi-Tufaga (Cathedral Catholic) 2022

Dylan Lazo (Otay Ranch) 2022

Tavita Letuli (Cathedral Catholic) 2022

Adan Luna Jr. (St. Augustine) 2022

Rambo Mageo (Cathedral Catholic) 2022

Name (School) Graduation Class

Troy McFarlane (Christian) 2022

Hawkin Miller (El Camino) 2022

Danny Molestina (La Jolla) 2022

Isaac Morrill (St. Augustine) 2022

Brian Pennington (Eastlake) 2022

Justin Phillips (San Pasqual) 2022

Jonathan Robles (Madison) 2023

Jonah Rodriguez (Madison) 2023

Jose Sanchez (University City) 2022

Misael Sandoval (St. Augustine) 2023

Genesis Seumalo (El Camino) 2023

Matthew Staycer (Torrey Pines) 2023

Kory Symington (Patrick Henry) 2023

Taj Tavale (El Camino) 2023

Talo Tavale (El Camino) 2023

Asa Valdivia (Coronado) 2022

Tanner Vielguth (Granite Hills) 2022

James Ventura (San Marcos) 2022

Cedric Wells (Kearny) 2022

Andy White (Mira Mesa) 2022

Jonah Zimmerman (Oceanside) 2022