Friday, September 15, 2023

Prep Football: Games to Watch (Week Five)


Game of the Week

Helix Highlanders (4-0) at Cathedral Catholic Dons (1-3)

Coming off a decisive resume-building win over Madison, the Highlanders travel to Manchester Stadium for their 17th meeting with the Dons. Since beating Mater Dei Catholic in week one, Cathedral has dropped three straight games and may need to hand Helix its first loss in order to stay in contention for the Open Division Playoffs. Kevin Allen III is having an MVP-caliber season so far. The senior running back put up 139 yards and two scores last week. Jackson Daniels caught four passes for two touchdowns, including a one-handed grab in the corner of the endzone. A strong Highlanders' defense features Daniel Larsina, Jordan, and Anthony Gash who all recorded sacks against the Warhawks. Despite the losing streak, the Dons have gotten solid production from running back Ethan Ford, who rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown last week.

Publisher's Pick: Helix

Best of the Rest

Del Norte Nighthawks (3-1) at Poway Titans (3-1)

Jack Schneider put up three touchdowns including the game-winning pass to Tyler Becker in overtime to help Del Norte defeat Liberty 28-21 last week. Poway is also coming off a thrilling overtime win against Ramona. Junior quarterback Ty Hurst scored both of his touchdowns on the ground.

Publisher's Pick: Poway

La Jolla Vikings (2-2) at Mission Bay Buccaneers (4-0)

Mission Bay enters this contest fresh off a commanding victory over Sweetwater, where their breakout star quarterback, Charlie Hutchison, displayed his prowess by completing 8 of 15 passes for 153 yards and four touchdowns. Adding to the Buccaneers' impressive performance, Jacob Morgan notched a defensive touchdown with a fumble recovery in the end zone. Ricky Esquer put up 72 rushing yards on 11 carries. On the other side, La Jolla is coming off a challenging encounter against Rancho Bernardo, which ended in a 20-6 defeat. Despite the loss, La Jolla showcased their resilience and determination while playing without Jackson Diel. Will Mission Bay continue their unbeaten streak, or can La Jolla stage an upset? 

Publisher's Pick: Mission Bay

Santana Sulatans (3-1) at El Capitan Vaqueros (3-1)

Both teams are coming off disappointing losses and will need a win to boost their confidence heading into league play. El Capitan has won the last two of three meetings between these programs.

Publisher's Pick: El Capitan

Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders (0-3) at Point Loma Pointers (2-2)

Mater Dei travels to Point Loma hoping to avoid consecutive 0-4 starts. Despite a tough loss to Lincoln, Quarterback Kartell Purvis recorded two touchdowns while Arizona-bound athlete Isaiah Buxton hauled in an interception and a 69-yard catch to the end zone. The Pointers are coming off a 33-14 revenge win over University City, the team that defeated them in last year's Division III Finals. Brady Allen rushed for three touchdowns and passed for one. Aaron Lee had three catches including one for a score.

Publisher's Pick: Mater Dei Catholic

Bishop's Knights (0-3) at Mount Miguel Matadors (4-0)

Mount Miguel will look to keep its momentum going as they face the first of two straight Division II opponents. Meanwhile, Bishop's will be trying to avoid starting 0-4 for the first time since 1983, its inaugural year of football.

Publisher's Pick: Mount Miguel

Monte Vista Monarchs (1-3) at Sweetwater Red Devils (0-4)

The Monarchs ended a 13-game losing skid after a big win at San Ysidro. They return to the South Bay to face a Sweetwater team seeking its first win.

Publisher's Pick: Monte Vista

Palo Verde Valley Yellow Jackets (2-2) at Imperial Tigers (3-1)

The Jackets have won two straight games following a 0-2 start. Januel Fernandez had another strong performance on the ground last week, rushing for 86 yards and a score, while Gabriel De Leon threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to Alonzo Hernandez. Imperial has won three straight since dropping its opener to West Hills.

Publisher's Pick: Palo Verde Valley

Saturday Night Rivalries

Discovery Bowl:
Mission Hills Grizzlies (2-1) at San Marcos Knights (3-1)

Publisher's Pick: Mission Hills

Battle of the 15:
Mira Mesa Mauraders (1-3) at Scripps Ranch Falcons (2-1)

Publisher's Pick: Mira Mesa

Week 4 Record: 7-3
2023 Record: 29-11

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