Prep Football: Players of the Week (Nov. 25-26)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

ATH Xzavier Bejarano - Palo Verde Valley

23 carries for 157 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Fallbrook

QB Samuel Cooper IV - University City

11/15 for 193 yards, 17 carries for 112 yards, & 5 Total Touchdowns

vs. Point Loma

WR Dreyden Garner - University City

4 catches for 146 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Point Loma

RB Isaiah Jackson - Granite Hills

10 carries for 113 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Ramona

ATH Markus Macon - Palo Verde Valley

14 carries for 167 yards & 2 Touchdowns, 1 Fumble Recovery

vs. Fallbrook

WR Jerry McClure - Mater Dei Catholic

14 catches for 127 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Mission Hills

RB Anthony McMillian Jr. - Mater Dei Catholic

18 carries for 138 yards & 3 Touchdowns (2 Runs, 1 REC)

vs. Mission Hills

QB Dominic Nankil - Mater Dei Catholic

30/36 for 305 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Mission Hills

RB Life Pollard - Classical Academy

9 carries for 93 yards & 4 Touchdowns (3 Runs, 1 Pass)

vs. Crawford

ATH Luke Sega - Classical Academy

2 Touchdowns (1 Run, 1 Pass) & 1 Fumble Recovery

vs. Crawford

2022 CIF Section Champions Crowned

Following another fantastic series of CIF San Diego Section Championship games, it's now time to root for San Diego as six of our seven champions prepare to represent us in the CIF State Playoffs.

Congratulations to Lincoln, Mater Dei Catholic, Granite Hills, University City, Palo Verde Valley, Classical Academy, and Victory Christian on their hard-earned victories.

San Diego Football Live

Granite Hills vs Ramona | 2022 CIF San Diego Football Division 2 Championships | Final

 

Southern California Bowl: San Diego Mesa vs. El Camino

Prep Football: Players of the Week (Nov. 18-19)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

ATH Xzavier Bejarano - Palo Verde Valley

12 carries for 162 yards

vs. Coronado

QB KJ Chatham - Lincoln

11/22 for 231 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Carlsbad

DE Jonathon Class - Mission Hills

3 Sacks

vs. El Camino

QB Tookie Davis - Victory Christian

18/26 for 261 yards & 5 Touchdowns (3 Passes, 2 Runs)

vs. St. Josephs Academy

DE Nicholas Driscoll - Ramona

3 Sacks

vs. Central

ATH Markus Macon - Palo Verde Valley

15 carries for 191 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Coronado

RB Roderick Robinson II - Lincoln

22 carries for 117 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Carlsbad

RB Hamadi Sharif - Crawford

14 carries for 203 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Mar Vista

ATH Joaquin Thomas Jr. - Granite Hills

2 Interceptions

vs. Mira Mesa

RB Noah Turbeville - Point Loma

17 carries for 409 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Del Norte

Lincoln's 4th quarter explosion clinches Open Division Title

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Justin Johnson intercepted KJ Chatham's pass and returned it 47 yards to the end zone, giving Carlsbad what appeared to be a commanding 21-6 lead with 11:46 left to play. 

While some players may have folded after a significant error, Chatham responded by throwing touchdown passes on his next three drives, leading the Hornets to a 28-24 comeback victory for the first Open Division Championship at Snapdragon Stadium.

On the opening play from scrimmage, Mason Walsh set the tone for the Lancers with a 74-yard touchdown run. Rod Robinson II scored later in the first quarter, but a missed extra point kept the Lancers ahead 7-6 with 4:57 remaining.

Walsh's second score of the game was set up by another lengthy run, giving Carlsbad a 14-6 lead at the half.

After Johnson's pick-six early in the fourth quarter increased the Lancers' lead to 21-6, Chatham found Josiah Cox, who made a tough grab in the corner of the endzone to trim the lead to 21-13.

After another long run by Walsh was stopped near the goal line by Chris White, Carlsbad was forced to settle for a 31-yard field goal by Tyler Prasuhn to make the score 24-13.

Chatham struck again on the first play of the ensuing drive, this time to Mahki Gray who burned the Lancers' defense for a 75-yard catch and run to the end zone. With 6:02 remaining, Raylon Logan's two-point conversion catch from Chatham made it 24-21.

Chatham connected with Corey Thompson-Miller, who broke away from numerous defenders on his way to a 65-yard touchdown that sealed the Hornets' first Open Division title in program history.

Walsh finished with 15 carries for 202 yards and two scores for the Lancers. On 24 carries, Robinson II rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown. With two sacks, Chris Fewell led a strong defensive performance that helped sparked Lincoln's rally.

Tale of the Tape: 2022 Open Division Championship

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

🏈 Carlsbad Lancers (10-1) vs. Lincoln Hornets (10-1)

📍Snapdragon Stadium

📅 Friday, November 18, 2022

🕖 7:00 P.M. PT

📺 NFHS Network

Series History

First Meeting: 1980 - Carlsbad 33, Lincoln 7

Previous Meeting: 2015 - Lincoln 20, Carlsbad 16

All-Time Series tied 2-2

Breakdown

Some of the top college prospects in the county will compete in the first high school football game played at the new Snapdragon Stadium, including Lincoln senior running back Roderick Robinson II (Georgia), who leads the section with 30 touchdowns, and Carlsbad junior quarterback Julian Sayin (Alabama), who has a 21-2 record as a starter. Sayin has thrown for 2,620 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. 

The Hornets, who just pitched a shutout in the semifinal, have a swarming defense that has intercepted opposition quarterbacks 12 times this season. This group is full of athletes that can wreak havoc all over the field, led by hard-hitting safety Josiah Cox, USC commits DJ Peevy, and SDSU-bound linebacker David Peevey. Athlete Corey Thompson-Miller Jr. has proven to be a big play waiting to happen in all three phases of the game.

Looking to contain one of the top running backs in the state, the Lancers' defense will rely on an all-star cast of linebackers, including Thomas McCormick, who leads the team in tackles, Luke Ferrelli, and sack leader Cassius Murphy.

After losing the previous two Open Division Finals, the Lancers are hopeful that this third attempt will be the charm. The Hornets have advanced to the Division I Finals twice after capturing the Division II championship in 2018, but have failed to claim the trophy both times.

Prep Football: Players of the Week (Nov. 10-12)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

RB Kent Armstrong - Crawford

13 carries for 200 yards & 5 Touchdowns

vs. Castle Park

QB Graham Bower - Coronado

339 Total Yards & 5 Touchdowns (2 Passes, 3 Runs)

vs. Chula Vista

DL Cayden Dawson - University City

3 Sacks, 3 TFL

vs. Rancho Buena Vista

ATH Derek Edmond - Victory Christian

4 catches for 159 yards & 2 Touchdowns, 1 Interception

vs. Coastal Academy

RB Adrian Enriquez - Ramona

10 carries for 131 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. San Marcos

DB Azlan Enriquez  - Ramona

2 Interceptions

vs. San Marcos

ATH Davion Green - Granite Hills

2 INTs & 2 Touchdowns (1 INT, 1 REC)

vs. La Jolla

WR Justin Johnson - Carlsbad

5 catches for 120 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Poway

RB Ladainian Lawrence - University City

15 carries for 150 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Rancho Buena Vista

RB Alan Leon - Fallbrook

27 carries for 256 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Francis Parker

DE Jared Martin - Central

2 Sacks & 1 Forced Fumble

vs. Brawley

QB Skylar McMahon - Escondido Charter

15/16 for 253 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. El Cajon Valley

QB Dominic Nankil - Mater Dei Catholic

13/19 for 200 yards & 4 Touchdowns (3 Passes, 1 Run)

vs. La Costa Canyon

QB Julian Sayin - Carlsbad

19/27 for 318 yards & 3 Touchdowns (2 Passes, 1 Run)

vs. Poway

TE John Scates - Escondido Charter

6 catches for 134 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. El Cajon Valley

RB Hamadi Sharif - Crawford

10 carries for 204 yards & a 99-yard Touchdown

vs. Castle Park

LB Jack Stahl - University City

13 Tackles, 5 TFL, & 1 Sack

vs. Rancho Buena Vista

ATH Charlie Sullivan - Central 

27 carries for 259 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Brawley

RB Makei Thompson - Mira Mesa

24 carries for 131 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Christian

RB Noah Turbeville - Point Loma

9 carries for 145 yards

vs. Morse

WR Jayden Williams -  Mission Hills

8 catches for 132 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. St. Augustine

QB Aleks Wojcik - Mar Vista

5 Touchdowns (4 Runs, 1 Pass)

vs. Army-Navy Academy

San Diego College Football Saturday Recap

Toreros earn revenge win over Davidson

The University of San Diego Toreros (4-5, 3-3 PFL) knocked off defending PFL champion Davidson (7-3, 5-2 PFL) 31-14 in their final home game of the 2022 season, avenging two straight losses in the previous meetings. Graduate quarterback Judd Erickson completed 22-of-30 passes for 258 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. All-purpose threat Re-al Mitchell rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, including a 75-yard scramble in the first quarter. Mitchell also added five catches for 60 yards, totaling 187 yards on the day. The Torero defense forced four turnover on downs in the red zone, while fifth-year senior safety Hunter Nichols led the team with 12 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss and a key interception near the goal line to prevent a touchdown. Next weekend, San Diego will travel to Morehead State looking to close out the 2022 season on a positive note. The Toreros lead the all-time series 14-0, including a 10-3 victory last year.

Aztecs overcome a slow start and knock off San Jose State

After defeating San José State (6-3, 4-2 MWC) 43-27 at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State (6-4, 4-2 MWC) earned bowl eligibility for the 13th straight season. Jordan Bryd ignited a 38-0 run by returning a kickoff 95 yards to the endzone after the Spartans had taken a 14-0 lead. Senior receiver Tyrell Shavers caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from Jalen Mayden to put the Aztecs ahead 17-14 with 12:15 remaining in the first half. Mayden connected with sophomore Mekhi Shaw (Scripps Ranch) and senior Jesse Matthews (Patrick Henry) on touchdown passes that put SDSU further ahead 31-14 with 9:40 remaining in the third quarter. In the end, Mayden completed 17 of his 22 passes for 268 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Shavers had four catches for 111 yards and a score.

San Diego Mesa blowout Southwestern 68-23 to end the regular season

In the junior college ranks, the San Diego Mesa Olympians (6-4) celebrated Sophomore Day by dropping 68 points on county rival Southwestern (1-9) to end their regular season schedule. Daniel Latanca sparked an offensive explosion for Mesa by rushing for 148 yards and two scores, while University City alum Gunnar Gray completed 19 of 29 passes for 296 yards and 4 touchdowns. Palomar lost to El Camino 52-24 at Escondido High, dropping their record to 5-5. Bowl Game bids will be announced on November 20th.

San Diego JuCo Football Live

El Camino (4-5) at PALOMAR (5-4)

SOUTHWESTERN (1-8) at SAN DIEGO MESA (5-4)

Prep Football: Players of the Week (Nov. 4-5)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

QB Connor Annicharico - La Costa Canyon

20/24 for 297 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Steele Canyon

RB Giovanni Barrios - Chula Vista

10 carries for 137 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Calexico

RB Kameron Brown - Foothills Christian

9 carries or 133 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Rock Academy

WR Elijah Clark - Mar Vista

6 catches for 191 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Hoover

ATH Darick Dubose - El Cajon Valley

12 carries for 106 yards & 2 Touchdowns, 2 Fumble Recoveries

vs. Clairemont

ATH Zuriel Eatmon - El Camino

2 Interceptions & 1 Rushing Touchdown

vs. Scripps Ranch

WR Jayden Finley - Rancho Buena Vista

4 catches for 139 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Santana

ATH Jayden Gascon - Foothills Christian

6 carries for 148 yards & 1 TD, 1 Sack, &  17 Total Tackles

vs. Rock Academy

LB Matthew Gutierrez - Brawley

2 Sacks, 3 TFL, & 1 Interception

vs. Mt. Carmel

RB Ladell Hampton - Castle Park

16 carries for 240 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Southwest El Centro

ATH Markus Macon - Palo Verde Valley

23 carries for 215 yards & 5 Touchdowns (4 Run, 1 REC)

vs. Mount Miguel

QB Kreet Makihele - San Marcos

13/16 for 232 yards & 5 Touchdowns

vs. Valley Center

RB Parker Patterson - St. Augustine

16 carries for 104 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Eastlake

WR Gio Robles - Imperial

3 catches for 106 yards & 4 Touchdowns (3 RECs, 1 Pass)

vs. Patrick Henry

RB Justin Scully - La Jolla

20 carries for 153 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. Santa Fe Christian

QB Ethan Silber - Mission Bay

225 Total Yards & 3 Touchdown Passes

vs. Westview

RB Noah Snyder - San Pasqual

7 carries for 154 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. West Hills

RB Makei Thompson - Mira Mesa

26 carries for 172 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Otay Ranch

QB Connor Underhill - Rancho Buena Vista

5 Touchdowns (4 Passes, 1 Run), New RBV Single-Season leader in TD Passes

vs. Santana

ATH Chris Williams - Francis Parker

27 carries for 284 yards & 3 Touchdowns, 2 INTs, & Game-Winning FG

vs. Hilltop

QB Aleks Wojcik - Mar Vista

15/22 for 345 yards & 8 Touchdowns

vs. Hoover

RB Damarion Wright - Morse

25 carries for 254 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. El Capitan

Prep Football: First Round Playoff Schedule, Division 1 Preview, and Predictions

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Publisher's Pick in Bold

DIVISION I PLAYOFFS

Friday, November 4th, 7:00 pm

Steele Canyon (2-8) at La Costa Canyon (6-4)

Steele Canyon deserves praise for consistently putting together difficult non-league schedules that test their players, even though no team wants to be 2-8. Despite the team's difficulties, running back Major Givens finished his senior year with 1,534 rushing yards (third in the county) and 12 touchdowns, further demonstrating why he is among the best in the county. Last week, Givens scored three touchdowns and racked up 454 yards in the final regular season game of his prep career. La Costa Canyon, which placed fourth in the fiercely competitive Avacado League, will be trying to earn its first playoff victory since 2019. Mater Dei Catholic awaits the winner.

Scripps Ranch (2-8) at El Camino (7-3)

Since moving up to Division I, the reigning Division II champions have struggled. Following the season-ending injury to their star quarterback Jax Leatherwood during opening week, Scripps Ranch went on to experience its first losing campaign since 2017. Fortunately for the Falcons, every Division I team advances to the postseason and gets a fresh start. El Camino may be one of the hottest teams in the playoffs after winning five of its last six games. For the Wildcats, quarterback Carson Howard threw eight touchdown passes, six of which went to top receiver Tate Reid. On defense, junior Ryan Speltz leads the Avocado League in interceptions with four. The winner travels to La Mesa to take on No. 4 seed Helix.

St. Augustine (3-6) at Eastlake (3-7)

Out of 12 teams in the Division I bracket, five have losing records. This will be the only game where both of the opponents are below the .500 mark. Brady Palmer, the Saints' freshman quarterback, helped lead one of the county's youngest rosters, putting up 964 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. Eastlake won three of its last four games after starting the season 0-6. In the quarterfinals, the winner will face top-seeded Mission Hills.

Rancho Bernardo (5-5) at Torrey Pines (3-7)

Under a first-year head coach, Torrey Pines has had a tough outing and will aim to capitalize on a clean slate. Eli Edwards has been a crucial ironman for Rancho Bernardo, gaining over 700 yards on the ground and recording 30 tackles on defense. If the Falcons win, they will only have to travel less than two miles to the quarterfinals to meet rival Cathedral Catholic.

Byes: #1 Mission Hills (7-3), #2 Cathedral Catholic (5-5), 

#3 Mater Dei Catholic (6-4), #4 Helix (7-3)

Prep Football: Players of the Week (Oct. 27-29)

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

QB Brandt Barker - El Capitan

12/17 for 330 yards & 5 Touchdowns

vs. West Hills

RB Nehemiah Brunson Jr. - Army & Navy Academy

144 Total Yards & 3 Touchdowns (2 Run, 1 REC)

vs. Tri-City Christian

RB Major Givens - Steele Canyon

31 carries for 454 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Grossmont

RB Isaac Gonzalez - Mountain Empire

12 carries for 225 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Orange Glen

WR Chance LaChappa - El Capitan

6 catches for 148 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. West Hills

RB Ladainian Lawrence - University City

9 carries for 153 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Patrick Henry

ATH Aaron Lee - Point Loma

3 Return Touchdowns (2 Punts, 1 Kickoff)

vs. Canyon Hills

ATH Jaden Mangini - La Jolla Country Day

241 Total Yards, 3 Passing Touchdowns, & 16 Tackles

vs. Francis Parker

WR Jerry McClure - Mater Dei Catholic

4 catches for 151 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Eastlake

ATH Enrique Padua - Kearny

15 carries for 212 yards & 3 Touchdowns

vs. Hoover

QB Matt Pentland - Olympian

12/26 for 196 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Sweetwater

K Robert Petrich - Granite Hills

3/3 Field Goals Made, 5/5 PAT, & 14 Points

vs. Helix

TE Hunter Provience - Christian

3 Touchdown Catches & 4 PATs

vs. San Diego

RB Conner Rath - Poway

19 carries for 236 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Rancho Bernardo

QB Julian Sayin - Carlsbad

7/9 for 282 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Vista

RB Aiden St. Jean - Rock Academy

24 carries for 382 yards and 6 Touchdowns

vs. Coastal Academy

ATH Charlie Sullivan - Central

191 Total Yards & 2 Touchdowns (1 Rush, 1 REC)

vs. Brawley

RB Makei Thompson - Mira Mesa

29 carries for 161 yards & 1 Touchdown

vs. La Jolla

QB Owen Tsay - Maranatha Christian

255 Total Yards & 6 Touchdowns (4 Runs, 2 Passes)

vs. O'Farrell Charter

WR Max Vaughn - Kearny

6 catches for 115 yards & 4 Touchdowns

vs. Hoover

RB Mason Walsh - Carlsbad 

6 carries for 158 yards & 2 Touchdowns

vs. Vista

WR Josh Zander - Granite Hills

6 catches for 169 yards & 2 Touchdowns, 2-Point REC

vs. Helix