Thursday, August 24, 2023

Prep Football: Games to Watch (Week Two)

Grossmont celebrates earning its first win since 2021 after defeating San Diego 34-14

Here is our top 10 games to watch during Week Two action of San Diego Prep Football.

#9 Mater Dei Catholic (0-1) at #2 Carlsbad (1-0) (Sat.)

Mater Dei Catholic looks to bounce back from a tough opening-week loss against Cathedral Catholic. The defending state champs boast plenty of talent including senior running back Anthony McMillian who rushed for 57 yards on 13 carries and athlete Isaiah Buxton who returned a blocked field goal attempt for a 70-yard touchdown. Carlsbad earned a 30-0 revenge win over Inglewood (CA) last week. The Lancers possess one of the most exciting offenses in the county, led by 5-star quarterback Julian Sayin. He completed 24 out of 34 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. This upcoming match will be a significant test early in the season for both teams as they try to improve their Open Division resume. The game will air live on ESPN 2 at 7 p.m. PT. This will be the fourth meeting between these teams with Carlsbad leading the series 3-0.

Publisher’s Pick: Carlsbad

#13 Poway (1-0) at #10 St. Augustine (1-0)

St. Augustine rolled in their opener, scoring 50 unanswered points after Patrick Henry scored first. The Saints have playmakers on both sides of the ball, including Ezaya Tokio and Bronx Letuligasenoa who had two sacks apiece for a defense that totaled eight. Parker Patterson carried the ball 16 times and rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown. Poway started their season strong with a 21-17 win over rival Rancho Bernardo. Titans senior Isaiah Johnson earned “The Rock” award after a solid performance that included a blocked punt in the fourth quarter. This will be the first-ever meeting between two of the most highly competitive programs in the county.

Publisher’s Pick: St. Augustine

Olympian (0-1) at Grossmont (1-0) (Thurs.)

After breaking an 11-game losing streak, Grossmont and first-year head coach Anthony Lawrence appear locked in and focused on the next task ahead. Senior quarterback Hudson Herber was impressive last week as he put up four touchdown passes to help his Foothiller defeat San Diego 34-14. The Grossmont defense’s four turnovers were contributed by senior safety Joshua Ferrara who picked off the Cavers twice. Ethan Mallon racked up eight tackles and a sack, but it wasn’t enough for Olympian as they fell to Westview last week.

Publisher’s Pick: Grossmont

#14 Del Norte (1-0) at #7 La Costa Canyon (1-0)

Del Norte earned an impressive 23-14 win over Torrey Pines thanks to a stellar showing from quarterback Jack Schneider and his top target Ty Olsen, who hauled in four passes for 93 yards and two scores. They will look to defeat their second straight Avocado League opponent when they visit La Costa Canyon, who also looked sharp in Week 1, defeating a solid University City team 35-14. Senior running back Andrew Maes found the end zone three times as he rushed for 112 yards on 18 carries. 

Publisher’s Pick: Del Norte

#4 Madison (1-0) at Steele Canyon (1-0)

Madison visits Steele Canyon after beating Point Loma in Week 1 behind quarterback Ryley Parenteau's 298 passing yards and three touchdowns in his first varsity start. Jaylon Brown made plays on both sides of the ball, racking up 188 yards and three touchdowns, including a pick-six. The Cougars relied on a punishing ground game led by Jonathan Sablan and his three rushing touchdowns to defeat Heritage (Menifee, CA) 45-3. There will be an intriguing battle in the trenches as Steele Canyon’s offensive line and the Warhawk’s defensive line feature standout players. Madison won four of the last five meetings between these teams.

Publisher’s Pick: Madison

#16 Chula Vista (1-0) at Mount Miguel (1-0)

Chula Vista heads to Mount Miguel after defeating La Jolla Country Day 48-26 last week behind a formidable rushing attack led by Paul Alvarez, who put up 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Mount Miguel routed Sweetwater 48-14 as quarterback Matthew Barton totaled four touchdowns to lead the way. Matadors’ senior Hector Armenta was all over the place recording a sack, forced fumble, and blocked punt. Mount Miguel won last year's matchup 22-0.

Publisher’s Pick: Mount Miguel

University City (0-1) at Mission Bay (1-0)

Although University City opened the season with a forgettable loss to La Costa Canyon, new starting quarterback Quentyn Demara and receiver Josh Dixon looked impressive in their outing. Mission Bay left Valley Stadium with a 31-19 win over Christian, thanks to solid performances by quarterback Charlie Hutchison and two-way standout Isaiah Whitehurst. The Centurions defeated the Buccaneers 42-31 in 2022.

Publisher’s Pick: University City

Scripps Ranch (0-0) at La Jolla (1-0)

La Jolla took back the Pearl Street crown last week after rolling over Bishop’s 41-19. Duel-threat quarterback Jackson Diehl led a loaded Vikings offense as he found the end zone a total of six times. Diehl tossed three touchdown passes and found the end zone three more times on the ground. For Scripps Ranch, this will be the first game of the season after their home opener against Brawley was canceled last week due to weather concerns. La Jolla beat Scripps Ranch 28-21 last season.

Publisher’s Pick: La Jolla

West Hills (1-0) at Coronado (1-0)

West Hills' Diego Calderon scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave the Wolf Pack a 14-7 win over visiting Imperial. Led by a monster performance from two-way athlete Graham Bower, Coronado edged Montgomery 22-21. Bower rushed for 122 yards on 12 carries and two scores and grabbed two interceptions on defense.

Publisher’s Pick: Coronado

Orange Glen (0-1) at Escondido (0-1)

Two teams coming off tough opening week losses will have an opportunity to bounce back and earn some intercity bragging rights. Escondido was highly competitive during its trip to Morse but was unable to pick up a win. Meanwhile, Orange Glen was held scoreless in their loss to the Army & Navy Academy. The Cougars dominated last year's contest 56-22.

Publisher’s Pick: Escondido

Week 1 Record: 7-3
2023 Record: 7-3

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