Prep Football: CalPreps.com Shuts Down, Leaving Playoff Systems in Disarray

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

In an unexpected move, CalPreps.com, a widely relied-upon platform for high school sports data and rankings, has announced its immediate shutdown. The closure has sent shockwaves through the high school sports community, particularly impacting organizations like the CIF San Diego Section, which depended on CalPreps for critical playoff seeding data.

According to a notice posted on their website, CalPreps cited a contract dispute with CBS, the parent company of MaxPreps, as the primary reason for halting operations. The statement claims CBS repeatedly breached its contract by failing to fulfill financial obligations to CalPreps, marking the eighth occurrence since CBS acquired MaxPreps in 2007.

CalPreps revealed that it is now "out of funds" and has been "forced to cease operations." While they plan to pursue legal action against CBS to recover the unpaid funds and seek damages, they acknowledged that litigation could drag on for months or even years before any resolution is reached.

Impact on the CIF San Diego Section Playoffs

The CIF San Diego Section, along with other sections around the country, had been using CalPreps' data and rankings to determine playoff pairings. This sudden shutdown leaves a significant gap in their decision-making process. With the 2024 playoffs approaching, the San Diego Section and other affected organizations must now scramble to find alternative solutions. Seedings are scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 3rd. 

Here are some potential options they might consider:

Revive the in-house Power Rankings: Before using Cal Preps, the San Diego Section created its own methodology for ranking teams and determining playoff seedings. They currently use it for Field Hockey, Volleyball, and Water Polo.

Partner with another sports data provider: While CalPreps suggests this might be challenging to arrange mid-season, the section could explore an emergency partnership with another reputable sports data company such as Massey Ratings.

Revert to traditional methods: The section could temporarily return to using win-loss records, strength of schedule, and committee decisions to determine playoff seedings.

Petition MaxPreps/CBS: As suggested by CalPreps, high school football organizations across the country could attempt to convince CBS to resolve the dispute quickly and restore the CalPreps service.

CalPreps was a great resource that was utilized to create content on this platform since we started in 2011. We hope this issue gets resolved quickly and that CalPreps can continue to be a trusted source for prep football data. Their contributions have been invaluable to the high school sports community, and their absence will leave a significant void. Whether through legal resolution or new agreements, we remain hopeful that CalPreps will return to provide the detailed insights and rankings that teams, coaches, media, and fans across the country have come to rely on.

College Football: Mesa Wins Battle of Top 10 Teams, Stays Unbeaten

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – The San Diego Mesa Olympians moved to 3-0 on the season with a 22-7 win over the Golden West Rustlers (2-1), fueled by early offensive bursts and a dominant defensive performance.

Former Scripps Ranch standout Jax Leatherwood led the charge for Mesa, tossing two first-quarter touchdowns — a 12-yard pass to Kendall Ayersman and a 28-yard strike to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker. Leatherwood finished the day completing 22 of 33 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

The Olympians' defense was the difference maker, limiting Golden West to just 94 rushing yards and only one score — a second-quarter 20-yard touchdown pass from Will Burns to Noah Burdick. Key defensive highlights included interceptions by John Shepard and Jacob Benavente, along with three sacks to keep the Rustlers’ offense at bay.

Granite Hills alum Robert Petrich added two field goals, including a 34-yarder late in the fourth quarter, and a safety sealed the victory for Mesa.

The Rustlers entered the game ranked No. 3 in the State Rankings, while Mesa was ranked No. 8.

Next Saturday, the Olympians will aim to continue their winning streak as they host rival Grossmont in their homecoming game.

2024 Kings of the County Standings

#1 San Diego Mesa 🏆 3-0

#2 Palomar 1-2

#3 Grossmont 1-2

#4 Southwestern 0-2

College Football: Aztecs Struggle in Berkeley, Local JuCos victorious

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO MESA 12, Cerritos 8

San Diego Mesa emerged victorious in a close contest against Cerritos (0-1). The game remained scoreless until the third quarter when the Olympians (2-0) took a 3-0 lead with a field goal. The fourth quarter saw a flurry of action, with San Diego Mesa extending their lead to 5-0 via a safety. Cerritos then surged ahead 8-5 thanks to a 33-yard touchdown pass from Evan Tomich to Isaiah Blair, followed by a successful two-point conversion.

However, San Diego Mesa had the final say, clinching the win with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch) to Santiago Salas (Mission Hills). Despite Cerritos outgaining San Diego Mesa in total offense (312 yards to 166 yards), San Diego Mesa's defense proved crucial, recording 13 tackles for loss. Evan Tomich of Cerritos had a strong showing, completing 23 of 39 passes for 305 yards and a touchdown, with Isaiah Blair being his primary target, catching 6 passes for 128 yards and a score.

PALOMAR 14, El Camino 10

In a defensive battle, the Palomar Comets (1-1) edged out a win over the El Camino Warriors (1-1). Former San Marcos High standout Mason Thomas set the tone early for Palomar with a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown. El Camino quickly responded with a two-yard rushing score by Azeon Nelson. The teams traded scores in the second quarter, with El Camino taking a brief 10-7 lead on a field goal before Lincoln High alum KJ Chatham connected with Skai Donnell on a 66-yard touchdown pass to regain the advantage. The Comets' defense held strong throughout the second half, with key contributions from Steven Arteaga, who had 19 tackles, and Isaiah Strong, who added 14. Despite El Camino outgaining Palomar in total yardage, the defense kept El Camino off the board in the second half to secure the victory.

GROSSMONT 24, Antelope Valley 12

The Grossmont Griffins (1-1) claimed its first win of the season with a victory over Antelope Valley (0-2), led by St. Augustine alum Isaiah Pressley’s dynamic performance. Pressley opened the game with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and later added a four-yard rushing score in the second quarter. Grossmont built a 21-0 lead by halftime with help from a 12-yard touchdown pass from Jaden Green to Shjon Mosser. Antelope Valley fought back with two touchdown passes, including a 36-yard strike to Jacob Lopez, but Grossmont’s defense held firm, with Lincoln High alum Adrien Chargaloff securing an interception. Camden Vance’s third-quarter field goal sealed the game, as Grossmont’s defense notched seven sacks and forced four turnovers.

The game between Southwestern and San Bernardino Valley was postponed due to wildfire health concerns.

California 31, SAN DIEGO STATE 10

The San Diego State Aztecs (1-2) fell to California (3-0) at Memorial Stadium, with the Golden Bears' dominant offense and efficient defense proving too much for the Aztecs. Freshman quarterback Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson made his first career start for SDSU, completing 13-of-29 passes for 156 yards, including his first career touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Cal capitalized early, putting up a first-quarter touchdown and never relinquishing the lead.

Marquez Cooper led the Aztecs’ rushing attack with 87 yards on 22 carries, bringing his season total to 363 yards. Despite a strong defensive effort by SDSU, which recorded six sacks, Cal's offense, combined with two key interceptions and a late surge, sealed the game. Jordan Napier provided a highlight for the Aztecs with a 53-yard touchdown catch in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as California cruised to a comfortable victory.

College Football: Toreros Surge to 2-0, Aztecs Shutout by Oregon State, JuCo Season Kicks Off

SAN DIEGO 26, Central Washington 7

The University of San Diego Toreros improved to 2-0 for the first time in a full season since 2011 with a 26-7 win over Division II Central Washington (0-1) at Torero Stadium. Quarterback Grant Sergent led the Toreros’ offense with three passing touchdowns, connecting with Ja’Seem Reed, Cole Monach, and Lincoln High alum Kenyon Sims. Sergent threw for 231 yards, while Sims added 89 all-purpose yards and a 28-yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring.

"It feels great — a great team win overall," Reed said. "This is huge for the program."

After Central Washington briefly took a 7-6 lead, USD regained control with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Monach, sending them into halftime with a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The third quarter saw a game-changing moment as defensive lineman Jae’Von Reels intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick-six.

"After I caught the ball, I don’t even remember everything," Reels recalled. "I just started running and hoping I get to the end zone." 

"Linemen can dream about that, I’ve always dreamed about that. It just happened today."

USD’s defense dominated the second half, shutting down Central Washington and holding them scoreless after their early touchdown. Giovanni Iovino recorded 13 tackles, helping to stifle any attempt at a comeback. 

Reed capped off the scoring with a 24-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, as USD cruised to victory. "We knew we had them; we just had to execute," said Reed, emphasizing the team’s preparation and focus throughout the game.

Looking ahead, the Toreros will enjoy a bye week before traveling to North Dakota to take on the Fighting Hawks on September 21.

Toreros Open Season with a Thrilling Victory Over Cal Poly

SAN DIEGO, CA – In front of a packed crowd of 5,792 fans at Torero Stadium, the San Diego Toreros kicked off their 2024 season in thrilling fashion, securing a 27-21 victory over the Cal Poly Mustangs on Saturday evening. The game was highlighted by a dominant defensive performance, which included three key interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

The Toreros (1-0, 0-0 PFL) set the tone early in the first quarter when senior defensive back Trey Ortega intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, giving San Diego a 10-0 lead with 3:14 remaining in the quarter. This play energized the Torero faithful and marked Ortega's first collegiate interception and defensive touchdown.

Cal Poly (0-1, 0-0 Big Sky) responded late in the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown pass, cutting San Diego's lead to 10-7 at halftime. The Mustangs then capitalized on a third-quarter fumble by San Diego to take a 14-10 lead, their first of the game.

However, the Torero defense was unyielding. Graduate student Eric Haney intercepted a pass in the third quarter, halting Cal Poly's momentum. On the ensuing drive, San Diego's offense struck quickly, with senior quarterback Grant Sergent connecting with Ja'Seem Reed for a 41-yard pass, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by senior Logan Gingg. This score put San Diego back on top, 17-14, a lead they would not relinquish.

San Diego's defense continued to shine in the fourth quarter. Matt Ballentine intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for another pick-six, extending the Toreros' lead to 24-14 with just over 13 minutes remaining. Aided by strong special teams play, including a 39-yard field goal by Aidan Lehman, San Diego managed to hold off a late Cal Poly rally.

Cal Poly managed to score another touchdown with 1:05 left in the game, narrowing the gap to 27-21, but San Diego successfully recovered the onside kick attempt, allowing them to run out the clock and secure the victory.

The Torero defense was the story of the game, with three interceptions and two touchdowns proving pivotal. Ortega and Ballentine each recorded their first defensive touchdowns, and Haney added his fourth career interception. 

"We believe the defense is the strength of our team," Ortega said. "We had a really good offseason, and we're just ready to kick off the season."

Offensively, the Toreros were led by Matt Colombo, who rushed for 88 yards on 15 carries, and Sergent, who completed 15 of 24 passes for 154 yards.

Impact Toreros:

Passing: Grant Sergent – 15/24, 154 yards
Rushing: Matt Colombo – 15 carries, 88 yards
Receiving: Ja'Seem Reed – 3 receptions, 56 yards
Defense: Trey Ortega – 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 TD; Matt Ballentine – 1 interception, 1 TD

Special Teams: Aidan Lehman – 2/2 FGs, 39 Long, 3/3 PATs

Coach's Corner:

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised his team's resilience and defensive prowess: "The secondary played lights out tonight. Scoring twice on defense is a huge advantage, and they kept us in the game when things got tough. It was a great way to start the season."

Looking Ahead: 

San Diego returns to Torero Stadium next week as they host Central Washington on September 7th at 1:00 PM. The Toreros will then hit the road to face North Dakota on September 21 before opening Pioneer Football League play at Drake on September 28.

This season-opening victory against Cal Poly marks another step forward for the Toreros as they look to build on their success and make a strong push in the Pioneer Football League this year.