College Football: Syracuse completes 10-win season with Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SAN DIEGO - In a record-setting offensive showcase, the No. 21 ranked Syracuse Orange capped its first season under head coach Fran Brown with a 52-35 victory over the Washington State Cougars in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday night.

Senior quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns, breaking Deshaun Watson's ACC single-season record for most passing yards. The Orange (10-3) reached 10 wins for just the eighth time in program history.

"The 10 wins show that we are becoming a successful program and we have to continue to work," said Brown. "This is just a standard that was set, and we want to go above and beyond."

LeQuint Allen starred for Syracuse with 165 total yards and three touchdowns, while Darrell Gill Jr. added 145 receiving yards. The Orange offense amassed 606 total yards and set a new team record for most points scored in a bowl game.

For Washington State (8-5), the game represented more than just the final score. Playing with a depleted roster following recent program changes, the Cougars showed resilience behind senior receiver Kyle Williams, who put up a Holiday Bowl record 172 yards on 10 catches, including a 66-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Zevi Eckhaus in the first quarter.

Williams learned after the game that he had broken Oklahoma State star Dez Bryant's Holiday Bowl receiving yards record.

"Honestly it's amazing," Williams said. "Every game I come and try to put on a show and try to do the most that I can. But to beat a receiver that's an all-time great like that, it's just an honor and it shows that all of the work I put in, it wasn't for nothing."

"I'm grateful I could do that, but I wouldn't have got it without this gunslinger," he added, referring to Eckhaus, who threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns.

"When you're out there between the white lines, you're not thinking about anything else," Williams added. "Out there, that's our sanctuary."

Washington State interim head coach Pete Kaligis was emotional while praising his team's effort. 

"They fought and I'm so proud of them," he said. "The one thing I do know is that love never fails."

Prep Football: Lincoln Claims Second State Title in Three Years with 28-26 Victory Over Pittsburg

Lincoln Hornets

2024 CIF Division 1-AA State Champions

SADDLEBACK COLLEGE - The Lincoln Hornets (12-2) are CIF Division 1-AA State Champions for the second time in three seasons after emerging victorious over the Pittsburg Pirates (12-3), claiming a 28-26 win Friday night in a classic championship battle. Led by Oregon-bound quarterback Akili Smith Jr.'s four touchdowns, Lincoln withstood a masterful performance from Washington State signee Jamar Searcy to secure the title.

The Hornets struck first when Smith Jr. connected with Courtney Miller-Thompson for a touchdown in the opening quarter. Pittsburg answered in the second quarter as Searcy, who finished with an incredible 198 yards rushing on 23 carries, broke free for a 47-yard touchdown run to knot the score at 7-7.

Lincoln regained the lead before halftime when Smith Jr. found Ty Olsen for a perfectly executed toe-tap touchdown catch, but Pittsburg mounted an impressive two-minute drill, capped by Searcy's short touchdown plunge with just seconds remaining in the half to tie the game at 14-14.

Prep Football: Monte Vista Advances to State Championship with 41-21 Victory Over Pasadena

SPRING VALLEY, CA - The Monte Vista Monarchs (10-5) punched their ticket to the CIF Division 6-A State Championship game with a convincing victory over the Pasadena Bulldogs (8-7) in Saturday's state regional matchup. The win sets up a showdown with Summerville next Saturday at Fullerton UHSD Stadium.

Junior quarterback Derrick Taylor led an efficient offensive attack, completing 8 of 10 passes for 235 yards and accounting for three touchdowns. Taylor connected with receivers through the air for one score and added two rushing touchdowns of his own in a masterful performance.

The Monarchs' aerial assault was highlighted by wide receiver Rahshawn Florence, who rewrote the school record books with 206 receiving yards. Florence's explosive performance pushed his season total to 930 yards on 38 receptions, establishing new single-game and single-season records for the program.

Senior running back Alexander Villanueva continued his record-breaking season, rushing for 145 yards, further cementing his place as the San Diego Section's all-time single-season rushing leader. Villanueva saved his most dramatic contribution for the final minutes, when he intercepted a Pasadena pass and returned it 97 yards for a touchdown, setting a new school record for the longest interception return while sealing the victory for the Monarchs.

Prep Football: Lincoln Advances to State Championship with Thrilling 34-27 Win over Newbury Park

CHULA VISTA, CA - The Lincoln Hornets (11-2) staged a furious fourth quarter rally to defeat the Newbury Park Panthers (14-1) 34-27 in a thrilling Division 1-AA Southern California Regional playoff game on Friday night at Southwestern College's Devore Stadium. The victory sends Lincoln to the state championship game next Friday, December 13th at Saddleback College where they'll face Northern California champion Pittsburg (CA).

Trailing 27-14 entering the final period, Lincoln scored 20 unanswered points, capped off by two clutch touchdown passes from senior quarterback Akili Smith Jr.

2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

San Diego Mesa College continues its reign over San Diego County junior college football, leading the way in the 2024 All-San Diego JuCo Team selections. The Olympians, who secured their second straight Kings of the County title with an undefeated record against local programs, dominated the selections following a historic season that featured their first-ever state playoff bid.

2024 CIF Section Champions Crowned

The first playoff under San Diego Section's new divisional system not only delivered on its promise of competitive matchups but produced a series of historic moments across all divisions. From St. Augustine's remarkable transformation from winless regular season to Division III champions, to Monte Vista becoming the first 12-seed to win a section title, the 2024 championships showcased the unpredictable magic of high school football. 

The weekend also featured exceptional individual performances, including Monte Vista's Alex Villanueva breaking the section's single-season rushing record in their Division V title game, while Lincoln avenged last year's heartbreaking Open Division loss despite playing the entire season without a home field. From the dominant offensive showcase of Poway's 62-point explosion in Division II to El Capitan's defensive masterclass in Division IV, each championship game offered its own compelling narrative. Even in the 8-man ranks, St. Joseph Academy finally broke through after two runner-up finishes to claim their first football title, while Calipatria ended years of struggles to secure their program's first championship in Division V-AA.

Here's a recap of all the action as we congratulate not only the eight newly crowned champions, but every single student-athlete who competed this season. The future of San Diego football is bright thanks to your efforts.

College Football: Mesa's 30-Point Lead Evaporates in Playoff Loss at Riverside

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

In a stunning turn of events that will be remembered for years to come, the San Diego Mesa Olympians saw their championship hopes slip away Saturday afternoon, surrendering a 30-point lead in a devastating 37-30 playoff loss to the Riverside City College Tigers at Wheelock Stadium.

Making its first-ever playoff appearance, the Olympians (8-3) dominated the first two-and-a-half quarters, building what appeared to be an insurmountable 30-0 advantage behind a stellar performance from quarterback Jax Leatherwood (Scripps Ranch). The sophomore signal-caller threw for 327 yards, including touchdown passes to Lincoln alum Jalil Tucker (34 yards) and Danny Davis (5 yards), while adding a 12-yard rushing score of his own. Kicker Robert Petrich (Granite Hills) was perfect on the day, connecting on field goals of 30, 30, and 33 yards.

Prep Football: Monte Vista & St. Augustine make history, Granite Hills earns third straight title

Cinderella Story: Monte Vista Claims Division 5 Title as Historic 12-Seed

In a stunning conclusion to an improbable playoff run, the Monte Vista Monarchs defeated the No. 2 seed Bonita Vista Barons 38-21 to claim the CIF San Diego Division 5 championship. The victory marks the first time in CIF San Diego playoff history that a 12-seed has captured a championship title.

Senior running back Alexander Villanueva didn't just break records; he shattered expectations with a legendary performance, carrying the ball 46 times for 297 yards and all five Monarch touchdowns. His final touchdown sealed both the championship and his place in San Diego Section history, pushing his season total to 3,006 yards - surpassing the previous record of 2,974 set by former Mission Bay standout Dillon Baxter in 2009.

These historic moments almost never happened. After finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record that included several heartbreaking losses, Monte Vista was initially left out of the playoff picture. However, when Rancho Buena Vista opted out of their playoff spot, the Monarchs received new life as the final team in the bracket.

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.

Prep Football: Calipatria visits Holtville in Desert League Championship Showdown

In tonight's annual Axe Game, the Calipatria Hornets (7-1, 2-0) travel to face the undefeated Holtville Vikings (9-0, 2-0) with the Desert League championship on the line. This storied rivalry, dating back to 1980, has been dominated by Holtville in recent years, with the Vikings holding a commanding 9-1 edge in the last 10 meetings.
The host Vikings enter on an impressive 16-game winning streak and have been absolutely dominant this season, outscoring opponents by a staggering 448-42 margin while posting five shutouts at home. Holtville's balanced attack generates 422.8 yards per game, with quarterback Alonso Cuevas directing an efficient passing game averaging 134.3 yards per contest. Junior running back Enrique Armas has been a force, averaging 133.7 rushing yards per game while accounting for 19 total touchdowns.
Calipatria counters with their own dynamic offense led by do-everything star Dominic Hawk, who has amassed an incredible 1,795 all-purpose yards and leads the CIF San Diego Section with 32 total touchdowns. The Hornets average 41 points per game and have been particularly lethal in the second quarter, where they've averaged 21.7 points. Their defense, anchored by Jaiden Lopez (team leader in tackles, interceptions, and sacks), will face their stiffest test against Holtville's high-powered offense.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Calipatria's Run Game (333.6 YPG) vs. Holtville's Defense (4.7 points allowed per game)- Holtville WR Alan Carrillo against the Hornets' secondary- Calipatria's Dominic Hawk vs. Holtville linebacker Axel Gomez
The Vikings' home field advantage adds another layer of challenge for the visiting Hornets, though Calipatria has impressed with a perfect 5-0 road record this season. Both Cal Preps (48-21) and Massey Ratings (45-7) project a Holtville victory, but with a league title at stake, anything can happen.
Game History:
First Meeting: 1980 (Calipatria won 10-6)Previous Meeting: 2023 (Holtville won 53-6)Last Calipatria Win: 2016 (36-7)

Prep Football Recap (Oct. 23-24)

EAGLES SOAR PAST HIGHLANDERS IN REUNION GAME

LA MESA, CA — The Granite Hills Eagles (7-2) squared off against the Helix Highlanders (3-6) in a Thursday night showdown that featured an intriguing subplot between former teammates. Before the matchup, Eagles' star Maxwell Turner revealed he and former teammate Pablo Jackson, now playing for Helix, had placed a friendly wager on who would rack up more rushing yards, adding extra spice to an already heated rivalry.

Turner emerged victorious in both the personal duel and team battle, leading the Eagles to a 35-21 win while adding three more touchdowns to his school record. His dominant performance included 200 rushing yards with two ground scores and a receiving touchdown. Despite being on the losing side, Jackson made his presence felt with two touchdowns for the Highlanders. The Eagles' ground attack was unstoppable, amassing a season-high 380 rushing yards.

The Eagles' defense proved equally impressive, with Trevor Smith, Logan Vance, and Parker Vance each recording interceptions in a stellar team effort. The victory highlighted the diverging paths of these programs this season - Granite Hills has won five of their last six games, while Helix's struggles continued having lost four of their previous five contests. This was the Eagles' third straight win over Helix. The last East County team to beat the Highlanders three straight years was Monte Vista from 1997 to 1999.

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College Football: Toreros Remain Undefeated at Home with a Dominant 34-6 Victory Over Marist

TORERO STADIUM - The University of San Diego Toreros (4-2, 2-1 PFL) continued their unbeaten home streak with an impressive 34-6 victory over Marist (0-7, 0-4 PFL) in front of 3,017 fans at Torero Stadium on homecoming day. The Toreros, now 4-0 at home, put together a complete team performance, with contributions from all phases of the game.

The defensive unit set the tone early when Eric Haney returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown just minutes into the first quarter. "I always pray for the opportunity to make plays, and today, I was able to be in the right spot at the right time. I'm just grateful," Haney said of the game’s opening score. This play ignited the Toreros, giving them a quick 7-0 lead.

San Diego's offense wasted no time extending the lead. Quarterback Grant Sergent connected with wide receiver Ja’Seem Reed on a 21-yard touchdown pass to cap a seven-play, 53-yard drive later in the first quarter. Reed was unstoppable throughout the game, notching a career-high 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions. "We really emphasized attacking the zone coverage this week, and it worked," Reed said. "Coach Moore and the staff had a great game plan, and we executed."

San Diego maintained a steady offensive pace after the halftime break, with Aidan Lehman drilling a 52-yard field goal and Sergent finding Reed again for an 18-yard touchdown. Josh Heverly added a nine-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Sergent finished the day with 202 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Head Coach Brandon Moore praised the complete team effort. "This is the first time this season we've put all three phases of the game together. Offense, defense, and special teams all contributed today," Moore said. "It was great to see the hard work from practice pay off, especially on a big homecoming day."

Defensively, the Toreros were relentless, holding Marist to just six points and 226 total yards. The defense registered four sacks, including key stops from Giovanni Iovino and Malachi Cooper, who combined for multiple tackles for loss. Marist managed just one touchdown, a 21-yard pass from Sonny Mannino to Mohamed Diawara, which was the only bright spot for the visiting team.

"We're excited to continue this momentum as we head on the road," Moore added. "But there's still work to be done, and we have a tough test against St. Thomas next week."

San Diego will look to secure its first road win of the season as they travel to Minnesota to face St. Thomas in a crucial conference matchup.

Prep Football: Turner's Historic Night Leads No. 5 Granite Hills Past No. 8 Mount Miguel in League Showdown

SPRING VALLEY - Back in April, Maxwell Turner was informed that he needed 1,020 yards to break the all-time record for career rushing yards at Granite Hills. Six months later, Turner etched his name into school history, powering the fifth-ranked Eagles to a 45-30 victory over No. 8 Mount Miguel in a crucial Grossmont Hills League matchup.

"Every game we been tallying up the yards, and it feels good to finally break it," Turner stated after the game.

The senior running back delivered a masterful performance with 27 carries for 271 yards and four touchdowns, breaking the school's all-time record in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, and touchdowns. Turner found the end zone three times on the ground (31, 50, and 9 yards) and added a six-yard touchdown reception.

"He's a special player," said Granite Hills head coach Cobbs, whose Eagles (6-2, 2-0 GHL) took control of their destiny in pursuit of a third straight league title. "I think he's the best running back in the county and he was able to showcase that tonight."

After falling behind 3-0 on an early Mount Miguel field goal, the Eagles erupted for 21 second-quarter points. Quarterback Zac Benitez connected with Lewis for a 14-yard score before Turner took over with two touchdowns before halftime.

The Matadors (6-2, 1-1 GHL) stayed within striking distance behind junior quarterback AJ Stowers' impressive four-touchdown passing performance. Stowers completed 25 of 33 passes for 293 yards while spreading the wealth, finding Arrington (32 yards), Williams (22 yards), and Buchanan (5 and 30 yards) for scores.

The game's decisive sequence came in the fourth quarter after Mount Miguel had cut the deficit to 31-24. Brenden Lewis returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards for a touchdown, immediately restoring Granite Hills' two-score advantage. Turner would add his final touchdown late to seal the victory.

"It was a good night, the boys really stepped up. The defense picked us up in the third quarter when the offense was sputtering," Cobbs said. He also praised his special teams for pinning the Matadors' offense at the one and scoring. "I'm proud of our guys, but there's a lot of football left and we have to take care of business next week."

The Eagles' kicking game was also perfect, with Trent Whillock connecting on all six extra points and adding a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Granite Hills continues its league schedule next Thursday at Helix, while Mount Miguel will look to rebound on Friday at Steele Canyon.

Prep Football: Granite Hills and Mount Miguel to Compete for "East County Championship"

East County powers will collide in Spring Valley as the Granite Hills Eagles (5-2, 1-0) visit the red-hot Mount Miguel Matadors (6-1, 2-0) in a crucial Grossmont Valley League matchup. This will be a meeting between last year's Grossmont Hills and Valley League champions.

The Eagles look to bounce back after a 52-6 defeat to No. 2 ranked Cathedral Catholic, which snapped their 13-game home winning streak. Meanwhile, the Matadors enter with momentum surging after a 48-35 victory over rival Helix – their first win in the series since 2009.

Mount Miguel's opportunistic defense has been a game-changer, with recent impact plays from Delontay Williams (interception plus touchdown reception) and Dominic Lopez, who returned a pick for six. This ball-hawking unit now faces an Eagles offense that was limited to just six points last week after putting up 39 in their previous contest.

“We just got to play Matadors football,” Mount Miguel head coach Verlain Betofe said. “It’s not about what anyone else is doing, it’s about what we’re doing.”

Despite the recent setback, Granite Hills' offense has been explosive, averaging 34.9 points per game behind the dynamic duo of sophomore quarterback Zac Benitez and senior running back Maxwell Turner. Turner is approaching history, needing just 205 yards to become the school's all-time rushing leader. 

“He’s going to be a hand-full,” Betofe said. “We have to gang tackle, rally, and make him earn his yards.”

Mount Miguel counters with their own high-octane attack (45.6 PPG), orchestrated by strong-armed quarterback AJ Stowers, who averages an impressive 273.7 passing yards per game. The backfield tandem of KJ Shields and Jayden Hunter (three touchdowns last week) provides balance, while Stowers distributes to a talented receiving corps featuring Williams, track standout Brandon Arrington, Parris Vernon, and AJ Logan.

The teams' last encounter came in October 2017, with Granite Hills securing a 31-13 victory. However, both programs have undergone significant transformations since that matchup, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying Friday night showdown.

Prep Football: Cathedral Catholic Dominate to Reclaim Undisputed Championship Belt

In a stunning display, the Cathedral Catholic Dons (6-1) overwhelmed the Granite Hills Eagles (5-2) with a decisive 52-6 victory. With the win, the Dons reclaim the coveted Undisputed Championship Belt. Cathedral will host the Lincoln Hornets (5-2) on Friday, October 18, in what should be a thrilling Western League bout. Lincoln, currently ranked No. 1 in the county, will be looking to reclaim the belt they took from the Dons in 2022. The Hornets won the last two meeting against Cathedral.

Undisputed Championship History (Chronological Order)

Eastlake (09/20/11 - 09/30/11)

Cathedral Catholic (09/30/11 - 09/07/12)

Torrey Pines (09/07/12 - 9/21/12)

Vista (09/21/12 - 09/28/12)

Escondido (09/28/12 - 10/05/12)

Mission Hills (10/05/12 - 11/30/12)

Eastlake (11/30/12 - 11/22/13)

Oceanside (11/22/13 - 12/02/13)

Mission Hills (12/02/13 - 10/10/14)

Oceanside (10/10/14 - 10/09/15)

Mission Hills (10/09/15 - 11/27/15)

St. Augustine (11/27/15 - 12/05/15)

Helix (12/05/15 - 09/16/16)

Cathedral Catholic (09/16/16 - 09/15/17)

Helix (09/15/17 - 09/07/18)

Cathedral Catholic (09/07/18 - 09/13/19)

Helix (09/13/19 - 3/12/21)

St. Augustine (3/12/21 - 3/26/21)

Cathedral Catholic (3/26/21 - 9/30/22)

Lincoln (9/30/22 - 11/18/23)

Granite Hills (11/18/23 - 10/11/24)

Cathedral Catholic (10/11/24 - Present)