Prep Football: Poway & El Capitan earn championship wins

Poway Dominates Second Half to Claim Division II Title with 62-24 Victory

Fourth-seeded Poway completed their remarkable playoff run with a dominant 62-24 victory over No. 2 Mater Dei Catholic in the CIF San Diego Section Division II championship game at Southwestern College's Devore Stadium, turning a competitive first half into a second-half rout with six touchdowns.

"The terminology helps us be able to adapt, and to be adaptable is something that's effective for offenses," Poway's first-year Head Coach Brandon Harris explained after the game. "It takes about a year to get it, and they've learned it now. They're running it really, really well right now."

The Titans' offense showcased their explosiveness early when quarterback Ty Hurst connected with Colin McCann for a 37-yard touchdown strike. McCann had a phenomenal night, recording 168 yards receiving with three scores and adding a 14-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep.

"It was just the game plan. Credit to the coaches - they come up with a great game plan and they just have me go out there and execute and make the plays that I know I can make," McCann said after the game, particularly praising Coach Harris and the special teams coordinators.

After Angel Mendoza's 33-yard field goal got Mater Dei Catholic on the board, Poway's offense continued to dominate. The Crusaders showed life when quarterback Kartell Purvis connected with Julian Cromartie for a spectacular 73-yard touchdown pass, but Poway's momentum proved unstoppable.

Luke Jorgensen also had a great night on the ground for the Titans, recording 18 carries for 133 and two trips to the end zone.

"The game's always been and always will be about playmakers," Coach Harris noted when discussing his team's offensive performance. "Those that make plays will play, and those guys have made plays for us all season long."

Looking ahead to the Southern California Regionals, Harris remained focused: "Just keep on working. We're going to go do our work, do what we do, go out and compete, and do what we got to do to get ready for whoever we got to face."

For McCann, who celebrated with the championship trophy, the victory was especially sweet. "I'm feeling great, ready to celebrate with my team and just reflect on all the work and how it paid off," he said.

The victory advances Poway (6-7) to the Southern California Regionals, completing a remarkable turnaround for a team that peaked at the perfect time. The Titans, who set a school record for scoring in their semifinal victory, showcased their complete transformation with another dominant offensive performance in the championship game.

El Capitan Claims Division IV Championship with 17-14 Victory Over Westview

The El Capitan Vaqueros' defense proved to be the cornerstone of their second section championship victory in program history, grinding out a hard-fought 17-14 win over the No. 5 seed Westview Wolverines. 

The victory marks No. 2 El Capitan's ninth consecutive win and secured them a spot in the CIF Southern California Regionals.

UFL Eyes Expansion: San Diego in the Mix?

Could spring professional football return to San Diego? The United Football League (UFL) today announced it has officially launched its first expansion process, and America's Finest City might just be on their radar.

San Diego's rich football history and passionate fan base make it a prime candidate. The NFL called San Diego home for 56 seasons before moving to Los Angeles in 2017, consistently drawing over 60,000 fans per game. The short-lived AAF's San Diego Fleet also saw growing support, averaging nearly 20,000 fans, during their brief 2019 stint.

The city's brand new Snapdragon Stadium, with its modern amenities and 35,000 seating capacity, would provide the perfect venue for UFL action. As an untapped market known for its love of sports, San Diego represents a golden opportunity for the league to bring professional football back to a city eager to embrace a new team.

Football in San Diego has always been a community affair, and a UFL team could enhance this by engaging with local culture and traditions. The economic impact could also be significant, with more jobs created and millions in benefits from hosting games.

While cities like Seattle and Oakland are also rumored contenders, San Diego's unique strengths are hard to ignore. 

The UFL currently consists of eight teams – the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, San Antonio Brahmas, St. Louis Battlehawks and D.C. Defenders. The league is preparing to kick off its 2025 season on March 28, with a 10-week regular schedule and playoffs culminating in the June 14 championship.

Prep Football: No. 1 Lincoln Overcomes Difficult Season, Claims Open Division Crown Over Cathedral Catholic

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Coming off a last-second loss in last year's Open Division final that ended an outstanding season at 11-1, the Lincoln Hornets went into the 2024 campaign without a home field to play or practice on. That didn't stop the Hornets from regaining their status as the top team in the county, securing a convincing 31-13 victory over the Western League rival Cathedral Catholic Dons in Saturday night's Open Division Championship at Snapdragon Stadium.

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Prep Football: Western League Rivals to Clash for Open Division Crown

#1 Lincoln Hornets (9-2) vs. #3 Cathedral Catholic Dons (9-2)

Open Division Championship - Snapdragon Stadium

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 - 7:00 PM

In what promises to be another explosive contest for the most prestigious prize in San Diego Section football, the top-seeded Lincoln Hornets (9-2) and the No. 3 seed Cathedral Catholic Dons (9-2) will meet for the Open Division Championship at Snapdragon Stadium. This rematch of October's regular season meeting has all the makings of an instant classic. This will be the third straight Open Division title game appearance for the Hornets, while the Dons will be playing in their first since winning it in 2021.

Series History

39th All-Time Meeting (37th on the field)

2nd Championship Meeting: 2011 - Cathedral 45, Lincoln 0

First Meeting: 1964 - USDHS 19, Lincoln 13

Previous Meeting: 2024 - Lincoln 27, Cathedral 7

How We Got Here

In the opening round, the Cathedral Catholic earned a decisive 27-6 win over previously undefeated No. 2 seed La Costa Canyon, while Lincoln survived a thrilling overtime battle against No. 4 Mission Hills, 13-7.

Tale of the Tape

When these teams met just over a month ago, Lincoln emerged victorious with a convincing 27-7 win on Cathedral's home turf. The Hornets dominated the second half, putting up 20 points in a decisive third quarter. But championship games have a way of writing their own stories.

Despite putting up a season-low 13 points in last week's win over Mission Hills, Lincoln's high-powered offense, averaging 39.1 points per game, has been a problem for opponents all season. Led by dual-threat quarterback Akili Smith Jr. (177.9 passing yards/game) and explosive running back Aden Jackson (115.4 rushing yards/game), the Hornets have steamrolled through their schedule, putting up 441.4 total yards per game. Senior receiver Ty Olsen became the San Diego Section's all-time career leader in receiving yards (4,013).

Cathedral Catholic's more balanced approach centers around quarterback Brady Palmer (139.9 passing yards/game) and workhorse back Jake Funderburg (85.5 rushing yards/game). While their 26.8 points per game average might seem modest in comparison, the Dons' disciplined style has proven effective throughout their campaign.

College Football: Mesa still Kings of the County, USD dominates Stetson on Senior Day, Aztecs fall in Vegas, and Southwestern defeats struggling Griffins

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa Edges Palomar in Tight Contest

In a hard-fought defensive battle, San Diego Mesa (8-2, 5-2) edged out a 14-10 victory over Palomar (4-6, 3-4) to earn the Kings of the County title for the second straight season. Sophomore running back Danny Davis emerged as the hero for Mesa, scoring both touchdowns on runs of three and 10 yards, while amassing 103 yards on 19 carries. Despite a challenging day through the air, with quarterback Jax Leatherwood throwing four interceptions, including three to Palomar's Davion Green, who recorded his second three-interception game of the season for a total of nine, Mesa's offense displayed resilience.

The Olympians managed to accumulate 330 total yards, with wide receiver Jalil Tucker leading all pass-catchers with 73 yards on five receptions. Mesa's defense stepped up when it mattered most, limiting Palomar to a mere 73 rushing yards and forcing two crucial fumbles. Palomar's offense showed flashes of brilliance, such as Elijah Hudson's 76-yard reception and a touchdown pass from KJ Chatham to Quincy Herron.

Prep Football: Top Storylines from Round 1 of the CIF San Diego Playoffs

Mount Miguel makes school history once again

The No. 5 seed Mount Miguel Matadors (9-2) earned their first-ever Division I playoff victory with a commanding 62-34 win over No. 12 Santa Fe Christian Eagles (9-2) Friday night. The victory advances Mount Miguel to the Quarterfinals, where they will face No. 4 El Camino.

The Matadors dominated from the start, racing to a 14-6 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 35-13 by halftime. Their passing attack proved especially potent, with AJ Stowers finding the end zone four times with multiple receivers including Brandon Arrington, DJ Wilkins, and AJ Logan, who threw a touchdown pass to Ezelle Buchanan on a flea flicker play. The ground game also contributed, with rushing touchdowns from Jayden Hunter and Kali Young.

Competing in its first-ever Division I playoff game, Santa Fe Christian showed occasional sparks with both passing and rushing touchdowns, including a rushing score from Magnus Falkiewicz and a touchdown reception by Brady Berg. But they couldn't match Mount Miguel's high-powered offense, who scored on all their drives. The Eagles' attempted comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring twice, proved too little too late as the Matadors continued to answer.

Prep Football: CalPreps Pushes Back Against Criticism Over CIF San Diego Playoff Rankings

The introduction of a new playoff system in San Diego's high school football scene, implemented by the CIF San Diego Section (CIF-SDS), has sparked debate among coaches, administrators, and media. The system, which leverages CalPreps' computer rankings to assess team strength based on strength of schedule rather than just traditional win-loss records, has left some questioning its impact on the competitive landscape in its inaugural season.

Under the new system, playoff spots are assigned solely based on CalPreps' rankings, with league champion earning automatic bids. As a result, the bracket includes 21 teams with losing records and even three winless teams.

In a recent article titled "Computer trouble: San Diego’s new football playoff system creates problems, prompts questions," San Diego Union-Tribune columnist John Maffei questioned whether the new playoff structure truly highlights the best teams. Maffei wrote “the CalPreps.com computer rankings have opened the playoff door to winless teams and teams with losing records.”

However, it's important to note that even under previous systems, teams with poor records sometimes made the playoffs. For example, last year, St. Augustine would still have been a 12-seed in Division I with a 0-10 record. Similarly, in 2011, when enrollment alone determined divisions, 1-8-1 Lincoln faced off against 1-9 Ramona in the opening round of Division III. This suggests that the inclusion of teams with losing records is not a new phenomenon or solely attributable to CalPreps' rankings.

Prep Football: High-Powered Mount Miguel Hosts Defensive-Minded Santa Fe Christian in Playoff Showdown

In a highly anticipated first-round clash in the CIF San Diego Section Division I playoffs, the fifth-seeded Mount Miguel Matadors (8-2) are set to host the twelfth-seeded Santa Fe Christian Eagles (9-1) tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Spring Valley. Both teams bring unique styles to the field, promising an intense battle with a ticket to the quarterfinals on the line.

This matchup marks only the fourth meeting between the two programs, with Santa Fe Christian holding a 3-0 lead in the series. The Eagles last faced the Matadors in Spring 2021, securing a 28-14 victory. The series began in 2018 with an electrifying, high-scoring affair that saw Santa Fe Christian triumph 42-32. As both teams prepare to meet again, they look to make history in the Division I bracket.

For Santa Fe Christian, this game represents their Division I playoff debut after a successful run in lower divisions. Meanwhile, Mount Miguel is making just their third-ever appearance in the Division I playoffs and is aiming to capture its first victory in this bracket, following losses in 1995 and 2014 to Point Loma.

2024 CIF San Diego Section Playoffs Unveiled

The wait is over! The official 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Playoff brackets have been released, and the stage is set for an exciting postseason filled with competitive matchups across all divisions.

*League Champion / Automatic Bid

Higher seeded teams are home.

Open Division

Semifinals:

#1 Lincoln (8-2)* vs. #4 Mission Hills (8-2)

#2 La Costa Canyon (10-0)* vs. #3 Cathedral Catholic (8-2)

Division I

First Round:

#5 Mount Miguel (8-2) vs. #12 Santa Fe Christian (9-1)*

#6 Torrey Pines (4-6) vs. #11 Scripps Ranch (8-1)*

#7 Rancho Bernardo (8-2) vs. #10 Brawley (9-1)*

#8 Oceanside (7-3)* vs. #9 Del Norte (6-4)

Quarterfinal Byes:

#1 San Marcos (9-1)*

#2 Carlsbad (7-3)

#3 Granite Hills (8-2)*

#4 El Camino (5-5)

College Football: Reed's Record Day, Defense Lead Toreros to 40-13 Win Over Davidson

In a dominant performance that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive opportunism, the University of San Diego Toreros (5-3, 3-2 PFL) defeated the Davidson Wildcats (5-4, 3-3 PFL) 40-13 at Torero Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The victory was highlighted by senior wide receiver Ja'seem Reed's team record-tying 14 receptions and yet another defensive touchdown, maintaining USD's perfect home record this season.

Reed finished with 186 yards and two touchdowns, matching a program record for receptions in a single game set by John Matthews in 2008. 

"It's a blessing," Reed said after learning of the milestone. "I just try to take it play by play. Even if it's a big play or bad play, I just try to clear my head and keep going."

Prep Football: Projecting the CIF San Diego Playoff Pairings

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

The regular season has come to a close, and it's time for the highly anticipated 2024 CIF San Diego Section Football Playoffs! This year's postseason promises to be filled with thrilling battles as teams from across the county compete for the chance to be crowned champions in their respective divisions and advance to the state playoffs.

For the first time ever, teams have been placed into divisions based on their performance throughout the regular season via Cal Preps rankings, ensuring a level playing field and a fair shot at glory for all contenders. From the four powerhouse squads in the Open Division to the up-and-coming teams in Division 5, every playoff game is sure to bring excitement and drama.

The official playoff pairings will be released by the San Diego Section later today.

Prep Football: Holtville Claims Desert League Crown with 42-18 win over Calipatria

HOLTVILLE — It was a historic night for Holtville football as the Vikings secured both the Desert League championship and their fourth-ever undefeated regular season with a commanding 42-18 victory over Calipatria in the annual Axe Game Thursday at Birger Field.

The Vikings (10-0, 3-0) showcased their versatile offense, alternating between their "heavy" eight-linemen formation and spread attack to keep the Hornets (7-2, 2-1) off balance throughout the contest. Holtville junior running back Enrique Armas, who finished with 103 yards rushing and three total touchdowns, broke free for a 53-yard run before punching in the first score from five yards out, while junior quarterback Alonso Cuevas connected with Raul Breno and Brandon Terrell for scoring strikes through the air.

Holtville wasted no time asserting control, driving down the field on their opening possession with Armas punching in the game's first score. The Vikings built a commanding 28-6 halftime advantage, highlighted by Cuevas finding Breno for a touchdown and Armas adding another score just before the break.

The Hornets showed fight in the third quarter, opening the second half with an impressive drive capped by Jordan Potter's touchdown run to cut the deficit to 28-12. However, Holtville responded immediately with Terrell hauling in a touchdown pass from Cuevas off play-action to regain momentum.

Potter provided a late highlight for Calipatria with an electrifying 38-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vikings' balanced attack that has now outscored opponents 490-60 this season.

"Holtville played very consistent tonight," said color commentator Mike Swearingen during the livestream. "There were spurts where Calipatria showed what they could do, but they lacked the consistency needed against a team of this caliber."

The victory extends Holtville's winning streak to 17 games dating back to last season's CIF-San Diego Section Division V-AA championship run. The Vikings have now won eight straight Axe Games, improving to 13-2 in the rivalry since its 2009 inception.

The Vikings now turn their attention to the CIF San Diego Section playoffs, where they are expected to receive a first-round bye. Despite the loss, Calipatria remains well-positioned as the top-ranked team in Division 5AA as they head into the postseason.

Prep Football: #5 Mission Hills Defeats Poway with Fourth-Quarter Flurry, 38-21

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

POWAY — The Mission Hills Grizzlies (8-2, 4-1 Avocado League) emerged victorious Thursday night, defeating the Poway Titans (3-7, 0-5 AL) in a hard-fought Avocado League clash. The Grizzlies pulled away with a late-game scoring spree to secure the win.

The game kicked off with Mission Hills taking an early lead in the first quarter. Set up by an interception returned to the goal line, senior running back Giovanni Harte plunged into the end zone from one yard out, giving the Grizzlies a 6-0 advantage. Kicker Logan Boyack added the extra point, setting the score at 7-0. Poway responded in the second quarter when quarterback Ty Hurst connected with wide receiver James Clifford on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Tyler Hughes’ extra point tied the game at 7-7, which held through halftime.

In the third quarter, Mission Hills struck again. Harte recorded his second touchdown of the night, this time on an eight-yard run, putting the Grizzlies back on top, 14-7. Mission Hills extended its lead to 24-7 before Poway responded. Near the end of the third quarter, Poway’s Luke Jorgensen broke through for a 14-yard rushing touchdown. Hughes’ kick brought Poway within three, trailing 24-21.

Mission Hills put the game out of reach in the final quarter. Senior quarterback Troy Huhn connected on two clutch touchdown passes: a 19-yarder to Rylan Schroeder and a 42-yard strike to Myzael Quakenbush.