Prep Football: Can Cathedral Catholic Repeat as Open Division Champions?

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Location: San Diego, CA

League: Western

Head Coach: Sean Doyle (31st Season)

2025 Season: 11-3 (3-0 Western League, 1st)

2025 Playoffs: Lost to Folsom (CA) in State Final

2026 Outlook:

The reigning Open Division champions have nowhere to go but up—though repeating as San Diego's top dog will be no easy feat. Sean Doyle enters his 31st season at the helm with a roster that should be loaded on defense and in the backfield, but haunted by two glaring question marks: a brand-new quarterback and a largely rebuilt offensive line. 

The Dons roller coaster 2025 season featured an upset lost to Point Loma, an upset win at Lincoln (who was No. 1 in the county at the time), and an unforgettable 20-16 comeback win over Carlsbad to capture the Open Division title. They also swept every first-place vote in the final Union-Tribune poll and advanced to the State championship game. But that was then.

This 2026 squad will lean heavily on USC-bound Honor Fa'alave-Johnson, the reigning section Offensive Player of the Year, who is expected to line up at running back, receiver, and cornerback. Joining him in the backfield is Willie Flores, while Isaac Cook returns as a dynamic deep threat after hauling in 49 catches for over 1,200 yards and 12 scores last season.

Prep Football: Can Eastlake reclaim South Bay dominance?

Photo Credit: Jay Vista Photography

Location: Chula Vista, CA

League: Metro Mesa

Head Coach: Jose Mendoza (7th Season)

2025 Season: 6-8 (2-2 Mesa League, T-2nd)

2025 Playoffs: Lost to Valley Center in D-IV Final

2026 Outlook:

Coming off an appearance in the Division IV championship game, the Titans enter the 2026 season seeking their first winning season and league title since 2021. Coach Jose Mendoza's squad returns a wealth of experience, featuring six all-league players and 15 returning starters from last year's 6-8 team. With a core group of seniors leading the way, Eastlake is poised to compete for the top spot in the Metro-Mesa League and make another deep playoff run.

College Football: Big Ten Media Days Kick Off in Indianapolis with Focus on Playoff Expansion

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2026 college football season officially took center stage on Thursday as Big Ten Media Days kick off in Indianapolis with focus on playoff expansion. Commissioner Tony Petitti opened the three-day event at Lucas Oil Stadium by addressing the future of the postseason, specifically the conference’s steadfast push for a 24-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format for the 2027 season and beyond.

While the 18-team conference prepares for a season under the current 12-team model, the primary narrative in the circle City involves the ideological tug-of-war between the nation’s two most powerful leagues. Petitti’s address emphasized that the Big Ten remains "deeply committed" to a 24-team field, a stance that creates a notable divide with the SEC’s preference for a 16-team structure.

The Battle for a 24-Team Playoff: Access vs. Tradition

As the Big Ten Media Days kick off in Indianapolis with focus on playoff expansion, the logistics of 2027 are overshadowing the immediate 2026 schedule. Petitti’s advocacy for a 24-team field is rooted in the idea of maximum access for a conference that now spans from the Atlantic to the Pacific. According to reports from On3 and ESPN, Petitti has argued that a 16-team model simply does not provide enough opportunities for the high-caliber teams residing in the expanded Big Ten.

"I don't think it gives enough access," Petitti noted during discussions leading up to this summer’s meetings, citing the heavy investment schools have made into their football programs as a justification for more playoff spots.

However, this 24-team proposal—often referred to as the "23 plus 1" model—would likely require the elimination of conference championship games to accommodate the extended calendar. This remains a significant sticking point for traditionalists and television partners. While networks like FOX and ESPN have shown a willingness to trade conference title games for more high-stakes playoff inventory, the SEC, led by Commissioner Greg Sankey, continues to favor a 16-team field that preserves the existing championship game format.

Defending the Crown in a New-Look Conference

The Big Ten enters the 2026 season in a position of unprecedented strength. The conference has produced the last three national champions, with the Indiana Hoosiers currently reigning as the defending titleholders after their historic victory over Miami in the 2025-26 season.

The presence of 18 teams in Indianapolis this week—including recent additions Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington—highlights the depth that Petitti is trying to protect. Preseason projections from Athlon Sports and CBS Sports identify Ohio State, Oregon, and the defending champion Hoosiers as the frontrunners for the 2026 title.

Analysts suggest the Big Ten could realistically place four or more teams in the 12-team field this winter. However, Petitti’s urgency for 2027 expansion stems from a fear that even a 12-team bracket may leave out a 10-2 or 9-3 powerhouse from the Big Ten’s rigorous schedule. Recent simulations have even suggested scenarios where up to eight Big Ten teams could finish with 10-2 records, creating a nightmare for the selection committee.

Prep Football: Top team in each city entering the 2026 season

With the high school football season getting underway, here's a look at the top teams from cities across the San Diego Section that feature multiple football programs.

These selections are based on recent head-to-head results and overall team success.

City (# of Teams): School

Calexico (2): Vincent Memorial Scots 

Def. Calexico 49-14 in 2025

Carlsbad (3): Carlsbad Lancers

Def. La Costa Canyon 27-23 in 2025 Open Div. Semifinal

Chula Vista (8): Mater Dei Catholic Crusaders

18-0 vs. Chula Vista teams since 2020

El Cajon (6): Granite Hills Eagles

6-0 vs. El Cajon teams since 2020

El Centro (2): Central Spartans

7 straight wins vs. El Centro Southwest

Escondido (6): San Pasqual Golden Eagles

18 straight wins vs. Escondido teams since 2015

La Jolla (3): La Jolla Vikings

3 straight wins vs. La Jolla teams

Oceanside (3): Oceanside Pirates

Def. El Camino 22-0 in 2025

San Diego (27): Cathedral Catholic Dons

2025 Open Div. Champions, 3 straight wins vs. San Diego teams

San Marcos (2): Mission Hills Grizzlies

Def. San Marcos 28-21 in 2025

Santee (2): West Hills Wolf Pack

3 straight wins vs. Santana

Spring Valley (3): Mount Miguel Matadors

5-0 vs. Monte Vista & Steele Canyon since 2021

Vista (2): Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns

Def. Vista 13-12 in 2025

Teams that have their city to themselves:

Blythe - Palo Verde Valley Yellow Jackets

Brawley - Brawley Wildcats

Calipatria - Calipatria Hornets

Coronado - Coronado Islanders

Fallbrook - Fallbrook Warriors

Holtville - Holtville Vikings

Imperial - Imperial Tigers

Imperial Beach - Mar Vista Mariners

Julian - Julian Eagles

La Mesa - Helix Highlanders

Lakeside - El Capitan Vaqueros

National City - Sweetwater Red Devils

Pine Valley - Mountain Empire Red Hawks

Poway - Poway Titans

Ramona - Ramona Bulldogs

Solana Beach - Santa Fe Christian Eagles

Valley Center - Valley Center Jaguars

Women's Football: Rebellion Ready for Biggest Test Yet, Faces Texas Elite in IX Cup

Rebellion Quarterback Danny Trainor leads the offense during preparation for the IX Cup.

The San Diego Rebellion have spent the entire 2026 season proving they belong among the Women's National Football Conference elite. Now they have an opportunity to prove they're the best.

The Rebellion (7-1) will travel to The Star at Frisco, Texas on Sunday, June 21st to face the defending champion Texas Elite Spartans (8-0) in the IX Cup Championship Game, live on ESPN 2. For San Diego, it's a chance to complete a remarkable journey and dethrone one of the most successful dynasties in women's football. These teams have previously faced off in the 2021 IX Cup and three conference finals, with the Spartans winning all four meetings.

"They're a really good team," linebacker Katie Claxton said. "They've won the championship five times, which is really impressive. But we're a really good team, too."

The matchup features two of the WNFC's premier organizations, but the Western Conference Champions arrive with plenty of confidence after dominating opponents throughout the season. The Rebellion have outscored opponents 174-39 this year and enter the championship game having posted five shutouts, including postseason victories over the Los Angeles Legends (30-0) and Utah Falconz (20-0).

Defense Leads the Way

The foundation of San Diego's championship run has been a defense that has consistently overwhelmed opposing offenses. The Rebellion are allowing just 6.5 points per game and have become one of the most opportunistic units in the league.

According to Claxton, preparation has been a major factor.

"We watch a lot of film, and our coaches give us really good game plans," she said. "Everyone on the defense puts in a lot of work, so we're all able to execute and be on the same page. We've got a lot of dogs on defense, too."

The linebacker corps has been particularly impressive. Claxton has recorded 33 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown during the regular season. She was named the Overall MVP of the Western Conference Tournament after a phenomenal performance that featured a game-breaking Pick-IX to seal the title against Utah.

She credits the chemistry among the group's playmakers for much of its success.

"We've played together for a while now, so we know how to play off each other," Claxton said. "We understand where everyone is supposed to be and how everyone moves."

Head coach Knengi Martin believes simplicity has been the key to unlocking the defense's success.

"My goal with our defense is to have a defense where even if we don't get the perfect call in, we can still play football," Martin said. "That allows us to keep the scheme simple while keeping the football IQ high."

The results speak for themselves. San Diego has forced turnovers throughout the season while producing game-changing plays from defenders such as Conference Tournament Defensive MVP Brittani Lusain, Harmine Christine Leo (Shutdown DB of the Year nominee), Laurisa Hollenshed, Christina Jordan, and Claxton.

"All the rookies have to bring us donuts at practice the next day if we get a donut," Claxton joked. "We do get a little offended when people actually score on us."

Prep Football: Major Playoff & Division Changes Starting This Season

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

The landscape of high school football in the CIF San Diego Section is getting a significant facelift just in time for the 2026 season. Following the release of the Section's latest postseason structure adjustments, it is clear that the road to a championship will look very different next fall. From divisional realignment and playoff seeding changes to a new competitive balance formula, the Section is implementing some of the most impactful football reforms in recent memory.

After a successful debut in 2025, MaxPreps will continue to serve as the official ranking system used to seed the San Diego Section Championship brackets, maintaining continuity while the postseason structure around it evolves.

One of the most noticeable changes comes in the makeup of the playoff divisions. The Open Division will remain an exclusive four-team field reserved for the Section's elite programs. Division 1, however, will shrink from 12 teams to just eight, making it even more difficult for teams to earn a spot in one of the Section's most prestigious brackets. Divisions 2, 3, and 4 will remain at 12 teams each, while Division 5 expands from 12 to 16 teams, creating more postseason opportunities for programs across the Section. The move appears designed to increase participation while preserving the competitive integrity of the upper divisions.

The playoff bye structure is also receiving a significant adjustment. In Divisions 2, 3, and 4, the top four seeds will continue to receive first-round byes. Division 5, however, will operate differently. With the bracket expanding to 16 teams, every team will be required to play in the opening round, eliminating byes altogether. 

The Section also clarified that the top 16 teams in the overall San Diego Section rankings will earn first-round byes during the postseason structure, creating an added incentive for teams to finish as high as possible in the rankings.

Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of a new Playoff Pool system designed to improve competitive balance. Beginning in 2026, every football program will be assigned to a Playoff Pool based on a formula that incorporates a 70-30 model, enrollment factors, and a school's two-year ranking history. While teams will still be seeded according to their end-of-season rankings, they will no longer be allowed to move down more than one Playoff Pool when postseason brackets are created.

The practical effect of this rule could dramatically reshape the playoff landscape. Under the previous system, a traditionally strong program that struggled through a season could potentially drop multiple divisions and become an overwhelming favorite in a lower bracket. The new structure aims to eliminate that possibility. For example, if a school assigned to Playoff Pool No. 1 finishes the regular season ranked 38th overall, it would not be permitted to fall several divisions. Instead, it would be placed as the No. 12 seed in Division 2, the lowest division it is eligible to enter. The team originally occupying that position would then be pushed down to become the No. 1 seed in Division 3. Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on teams moving upward, allowing programs that outperform expectations to climb multiple divisions if their ranking warrants it.

College Football: AFCA Endorses 24-Team Playoff and the End of Conference Title Games

What a 24-team bracket could look like if the AFCA got its way.

DALLAS, TX — The structural foundations of modern college football are facing their most significant challenge yet. In a move that could redefine the sport’s postseason landscape, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) has officially voiced its support for a massive expansion of the College Football Playoff (CFP) to a 24-team field. Perhaps more shockingly, the coaching body is also advocating for the total elimination of conference championship games to accommodate the expanded schedule.

As reported by Awful Announcing and various industry insiders this week, the AFCA’s recommendation signals a growing desire among the sport's primary stakeholders to move away from the current 12-team model in favor of a structure that mirrors the long-standing success of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This proposal aims to solve the dual problems of athlete workload and the perceived redundancy of the "13th game."

The Logic Behind the 24-Team Bracket

The push for 24 teams is not merely about including more programs; it is about creating a comprehensive national tournament that rewards regular-season excellence while providing a clearer path to the title. Under the AFCA’s envisioned model, the top eight seeds would likely receive a first-round bye, a format that has functioned effectively in the FCS for years.

By doubling the current 12-team field, the AFCA believes the sport can capture more national interest and mitigate the "opt-out" culture that has plagued non-playoff bowl games. Coaches argue that a larger field keeps more teams—and their fanbases—engaged deep into November. Furthermore, it provides a safety net for elite teams that may suffer an early-season stumble, ensuring the eventual champion is truly the best team playing at the end of the year.

Dolphins Trade Up to Select SDSU's Chris Johnson with the 27th Overall Pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson with the 27th overall pick. Miami sent their original No. 30 pick and a third-round selection to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 27th pick and a later fourth-rounder. Johnson became the second cornerback taken in the draft and the first San Diego State player selected in the first round since Rashaad Penny in 2018. He’s also the first defensive Aztec taken in the first round since Willie Buchanon in 1972.
At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Johnson brings excellent size, speed, and instincts to the Dolphins’ secondary. The Long Beach native and Eastvale product walked on at SDSU and stayed all four years, developing into one of the top defensive backs in the Mountain West. He capped his senior season with 4 interceptions — including two pick-sixes — while earning First Team All-Mountain West and Second Team All-American honors. Scouts praised his clean film, ball skills, and versatility in both man and zone coverage.
Johnson’s selection ends a three-year NFL Draft drought for the Aztecs and marks the 10th first-round pick in San Diego State history. The former three-star recruit from Eleanor Roosevelt High School earned the loyalty of SDSU fans by never entering the transfer portal. Head coach Sean Lewis highlighted not just Johnson’s tape, but his character and work ethic as the qualities that set him apart.
For the Dolphins, the pick addresses a clear need in the secondary under new defensive coaching. Johnson is viewed as a high-upside player who can compete for snaps immediately and contribute on special teams. His combination of length, speed, and playmaking ability should fit well in Miami’s defensive scheme.
Draft night was a proud moment for the entire San Diego State community. From modest recruiting rankings to becoming a first-round selection who stayed home, Chris Johnson’s journey is a reminder of what hard work and loyalty can achieve. Dolphins fans now have a new young corner to root for as his NFL career begins in South Florida.

Oceanside Bombers Debut With Thrilling Victory Over Beaumont

Oceanside, CA — The Oceanside Bombers made their debut one to remember on Sunday night, rallying in the fourth quarter to defeat the Beaumont Renegades 41–32 in front of an electric crowd at the Frontwave Arena. The win marks the return of arena football to San Diego County for the first time in over two decades — and the home fans got every penny's worth of entertainment.

The Renegades, who won the National Arena League championship last season and carried over much of that roster — including league MVP quarterback Carl Robinson — struck first with a 23-yard touchdown pass in the opening quarter. A missed extra point left it 6–0.

The Bombers answered quickly. Quarterback Rudy Johnson connected with wide receiver Jaylon Tucker for a touchdown to knot the score at six, and from there the two teams traded blows like prizefighters on the 50-yard field.

Robinson and his favorite target, Zuri Davis, torched the Bombers secondary to push Beaumont ahead 13–6, but Oceanside punched right back to tie it. A late first-half surge saw the Renegades grab a 19–13 lead on an 11-yard scoring strike, only for the Bombers to capitalize on a turnover and score with just 34 seconds remaining to take a stunning 20–19 lead into the break.

Saturday Night Recap: Rebellion rolls in Vegas, Strike Force Outlast Tucson in Back-and-Forth Thriller

Trainor throws two touchdown passes, Lusain adds 80-yard punt return in 24-6 win

LAS VEGAS, NV – The San Diego Rebellion traveled to the desert and returned with a 24-6 victory over the Las Vegas Silver Stars (0-3), starting the season 3-0 for the third straight year.

The Rebellion needed less than six minutes to find the end zone – and they did it without their offense even taking the field.

After the Silver Stars opened the game with a three-and-out, Brittani Lusain fielded a punt at her own 20-yard line, found a seam, and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, strong-arming defenders in the process. Jocelyn Charette's extra point made it 7-0 with 9:18 remaining in the first quarter.

Las Vegas punted again on their next possession, giving San Diego the ball at their own 25-yard line. This time, the offense joined the party.

Daniella Trainor connected with Taranisha Taylor for an eight-yard touchdown pass with 47 seconds left in the first quarter, capping a quick drive and pushing the lead to 14.

The Rebellion added to their lead early in the second quarter.

Trainor launched a 45-yard strike to Alicia Zappia-Neeley, who hauled it in for a touchdown. The extra point made it 21-0 with 1:51 remaining before halftime.

Las Vegas showed some fight in the second half.

Midway through the third quarter, Silver Stars quarterback Thaycha Rodriguez connected with Isabel Warren on a 21-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 21-6 with 8:07 remaining in the third.

Later in the quarter, San Diego's offense then marched down the field to set up a WNFC record 44-yard field goal from Charette. The kick split the uprights with 2:37 left in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 24-6.

The Rebellion will have a bye next week before returning home to host the Golden State Storm on Saturday, April 25th.

SCORING SUMMARY

1st Q (9:18) – SD: Brittani Lusain 80-yard punt return TD (XP Good) – 7-0 SD

1st Q (0:47) – SD: Daniella Trainor 8-yard TD pass to Taranisha Taylor (XP Good) – 14-0 SD

2nd Q (1:51) – SD: Trainor 45-yard TD pass to Alicia Zappia-Neeley (XP Good) – 21-0 SD

3rd Q (8:07) – LV: Thaycha Rodriguez 21-yard TD pass to Isabel Warren (2pt No Good) – 21-6 SD

3rd Q (2:37) – SD: Jocelyn Charette 44-yard FG – 24-6 SD

Women's Football: Rebellion extends unbeaten streak over LA Legends

The Rebellion sporting their new white helmets that features a decal (axe) for the 1st time in team history.

ESCONDIDO, CA – The San Diego Rebellion (2-0) did what they have always done against the Los Angeles Legends (1-1).

Win.

Behind a dazzling defensive performance from Harmine Christina Leo and a balanced offensive attack, the Rebellion defeated their Pacific Division rivals 28-13 on Saturday night at Escondido High School's Wilson Stadium. The victory extends San Diego's perfect all-time record against Los Angeles to 7-0.

"It's a rivalry game, and those are never easy," said head coach Knengi Martin. "But our girls executed when it mattered most. That's what this team does."

The story of the game was Leo, who recorded three interceptions.

"Amazing!" Leo said of her record performance after the game. "I'm so happy with how the game went down. Our team has been working really hard. We know exactly what we have to do...get it all the way to the championship. So I just gave it all on the field."

The newly signed defensive back out of Montreal, Canada, who played for the Jersey Shore Wave last season, had never recorded an interception in the WNFC before Saturday night. She now has three.

"It is a career record," she said with a smile. "This is my first time getting an interception in the WNFC. And I got one, two, and three."

Laurisa Hollenshed added two interceptions of her own, giving the Rebellion five total picks on the night. The defensive backfield was relentless, constantly disrupting Legends offense and turning the game into a turnover-fueled statement.

"Everybody gets on the field and gives everything they have," Leo said. "So I just had to do the exact same every single play. We're just focused. We just keep going."

NFL Owners Overhaul Kickoff and Officiating Protocols for 2026 Season

PHOENIX — In a move that signals a continued evolution of the modern game, NFL owners concluded their annual league meetings on Tuesday by ratifying five pivotal rule changes designed to reshape special teams strategy and tighten officiating oversight. The 2026 season will mark a significant departure from traditional game-flow norms, as the league doubles down on its "dynamic kickoff" experiment and creates a new safety net for officiating in the shadow of a potential labor dispute.

The atmosphere in Phoenix was one of calculated progress. While recent years have seen the league office debate radical overhauls, the 2026 modifications represent a refinement of the existing product. Rich McKay, co-chairman of the NFL Competition Committee, described the session as a "straightforward year" focused on logic and the "state of the game."

1. The Onside Kick: Total Tactical Freedom

The most dramatic shift for the 2026 season is the removal of timing and score restrictions on the onside kick. Previously, teams were restricted to declaring an onside attempt only in the fourth quarter when trailing. Under the new guidelines, a team can opt for an onside kick at any point in the game, regardless of whether they are winning, losing, or tied.

This change is largely a response to the "dynamic kickoff" rules implemented in 2024, which effectively neutralized the surprise onside kick. By allowing teams to declare an attempt at any time, the league hopes to reintroduce a layer of strategic volatility.

"We changed the onside kick, only from the idea that we allow you to kick it at any time," McKay explained. He noted that the shift was particularly relevant for scenarios involving penalty enforcements. "In the event that you have a penalty enforcement after a try and you’re going to kick off on the 50, there were just teams that said, ‘Well, why in the world would we kick it on side here?’... We just eliminated [the restrictions]."

San Diego Rebellion 2026 Season Preview: A Championship Window Wide Open

Head Coach: Knengi Martin

Home Stadium: Chick Embrey Field at Escondido High

League: Women's National Football Conference

Division: Pacific

Official Website: SanDiegoRebellion.com

The San Diego Rebellion are entering their eighth season of football (7th in the WNFC) in 2026, and the standard has never been higher. After a 7-1 campaign in 2025 that ended with a 36-0 loss to the eventual IX Cup champion Texas Elite Spartans in the Western Conference Final—the Rebellion return with a clear mission: finish the job.

By the Numbers: 2025 in Review

Points Per Game: 29.2 (2nd)

Points Allowed Per Game: 6.8 (2nd)

Rushing Yards Per Game: 224.2 (1st)

Passing Yards Per Game: 32.2 (17th)

The backfield was a two-headed monster in 2025. Kesz Wesley piled up 482 rushing yards (8.3 YPC) with 8 touchdowns, while Regina Escoto Macias added 448 yards (6.8 YPC) and 6 scores. The pair combined to form the most productive rushing tandem in the league.

Defensively, the Rebellion were equally relentless. Linebacker Brittani Lusain racked up 46 tackles (8 for loss), forced fumbles, and intercepted two passes . Fellow linebacker Katie Claxton added 45 tackles (10 for loss), a forced fumble, and a 47-yard pick-six that iced a 44-3 blowout of Seattle . Up front, Alena Kuzmova led the pass rush with 4.5 sacks.

Quarterback Daniella Trainor missed time in 2025, forcing Alia Karmali into action. Karmali responded admirably, throwing for 97 yards and adding 89 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. When healthy, Trainor is a dual-threat who gives the offense another dimension. Her return to full strength is the X-factor for 2026.

The 2026 Schedule: New Faces, Familiar Foes

March 28: @ Golden State Storm (Oakland, CA)

April 4: vs. Los Angeles Legends

April 11: @ Las Vegas Silver Stars

April 28: vs. Golden State Storm

May 2: @ Kansas City Glory

May 16: vs. Utah Falconz

Strike Force Edge Wranglers in Wild Season Opener, 42-40

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

OCEANSIDE, CA – In a back-and-forth offensive slugfest that came down to the final seconds, the San Diego Strike Force kicked off their 2026 Indoor Football League campaign with a nail-biting 42-40 victory over the Northern Arizona Wranglers at the Frontwave Arena on Monday night.

The game was defined by explosive plays and a barrage of touchdowns, with both offenses trading blows from the opening kickoff. San Diego quarterback Nate Davis had an efficient night, completing 18 of 25 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. His primary target was Jalen Sample, who dominated with 10 catches for 93 yards and two scores.

While Davis managed the air attack, it was running back Edward Vander who provided the thunder on the ground and the winning margin. Vander rushed 12 times for a game-high 63 yards and punched in four rushing touchdowns, consistently finding the end zone to keep the Strike Force ahead.

Despite Vander’s heroics, the Wranglers refused to go away. Northern Arizona quarterback Ramone Atkins accounted for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) in a gritty performance. Atkins connected with Marlon Cook Jr. (6 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs) and Kobe Smith (2 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD) to keep the pressure on the San Diego defense.

Sacramento State's Leap to the FBS: Bold Ambition or Risky Overreach?

Sacramento State is set to join North Dakota State as a fresh FBS addition in EA Sports College Football 27.

On February 16, 2026, Sacramento State officially accepted an invitation to join the Mid-American Conference as a football-only affiliate member starting July 1, 2026 — a five-year term that elevates the program from the FCS Big Sky Conference to the Football Bowl Subdivision. It marks the first West Coast program to make the FCS-to-FBS jump since San Diego State and Fresno State did it back in 1969. The Hornets will be replacing departing Northern Illinois and giving the MAC its first Pacific Time Zone foothold.

The move comes with a steep price tag: an $18 million entrance fee to the MAC (with $6 million due in Year 1) plus a $5 million NCAA transition fee, totaling $23 million. Additional terms include Sac State forgoing any conference revenue distributions and covering air travel costs for visiting MAC teams. The university's athletics budget sat at roughly $11 million last year, and the school faces a projected $2.9 million deficit. President Luke Wood has stated the fees will come from game guarantees and football-generated revenue — not student fees or the general fund — while a new NIL collective has raised tens of millions in pledges and stadium upgrades at Cal Expo are in the works.

The announcement has sparked intense debate. Supporters see a visionary program betting on itself to compete at the highest level. Critics call it financially reckless, geographically absurd, and a short-term gamble fueled by envy-worthy spending. Both sides deserve a fair hearing.

Aztecs Unveil 2026 Football Schedule: A New Era in the Pac-12 Begins

Image Credit: GoAztecs.com

The San Diego State Aztecs are officially on the clock for their Pac-12 debut, and the 2026 schedule has arrived with plenty of intrigue. Released jointly by the conference and the program on Wednesday night, this slate marks the start of a bold new era for SDSU under head coach Sean Lewis as the team transitions from the Mountain West to the revamped eight-team Pac-12. 
Featuring four non-conference games to open the year, a full seven-game round-robin league schedule, a timely bye, and a groundbreaking flex matchup to close the regular season, the calendar sets up exciting opportunities for road adventures, rivalry renewals, and potential postseason pushes.
The non-conference portion kicks off with a home opener against Portland State on September 5 at Snapdragon Stadium—a familiar FCS opponent the Aztecs crushed 52-17 back in 2007. The real test comes early with a September 12 road trip to UCLA in the Rose Bowl, where SDSU holds a memorable 23-14 upset win from 2019 but fell 35-10 in their most recent clash. Back home on September 19, the Aztecs welcome James Madison in the first-ever meeting between the programs; the Dukes were a 12-2 Sun Belt powerhouse in 2025, reaching the CFP before a loss to Oregon in the first round. The non-league slate wraps September 26 at Toledo, avenging a close 2022 win in San Diego against a Rockets team that's posted 16 straight .500-or-better seasons.

Mater Dei Catholic Alum Jason Myers Makes History in Super Bowl LX Victory

SANTA CLARA, CA — On a night where defenses dominated, the most prolific weapon on the field was the right leg of Chula Vista native and Mater Dei Catholic High School alum Jason Myers. In a historic performance at Levi's Stadium Sunday night, Myers propelled the Seattle Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots, cementing his place in NFL lore with multiple record-breaking feats.

A Record-Breaking Performance

Myers was the engine of the Seahawks' offense, accounting for nearly 60% of the team's total points. He finished the game a perfect 5-for-5 on field goal attempts, surpassing the previous Super Bowl record of four shared by several kickers.

Jason Myers Super Bowl LX Stats:

Field Goals Made: 5 (33, 39, 41, 41, and 26 yards)

Extra Points: 2-for-2

Total Points Scored: 17

His 17 points also established a new Super Bowl record for the most points scored by a kicker in a single game.

SMU Holds Off Furious Arizona Rally to Win Holiday Bowl, 24-19

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

SNAPDRAGON STADIUM – The SMU Mustangs (9-4) held off a frantic second-half comeback to defeat the No. 17 Arizona Wildcats (9-4) 24-19 in the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl on Friday night, claiming the program's first bowl victory in 13 years.

The Mustangs dominated the first half, building a 24-0 lead before the Wildcats mounted a desperate rally that fell just short.

"It's the first bowl we've won in a while here at SMU," said Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee. "Each year, we've been able to check things off. That's the one thing this group hadn't done. We hadn't won a bowl game, we hadn't finished the season with a win."

SMU came out firing, racing to a 21-0 lead before halftime with three touchdown drives that dissected Arizona's undermanned defense. The Wildcats were without several key players who opted out of the bowl game, a decision Arizona head coach Brent Brennan acknowledged before kickoff.

"Three weeks ago, we had some of our players tell us that they were not going to play in this football game," Brennan said. "Those are family decisions, and we respect that."

Senior running back T.J. Harden set the tone immediately for SMU, capping the opening 83-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run just 13:58 into the game. Harden struck again midway through the first quarter with a 3-yard scoring plunge, making it 14-0.

The Mustangs' offense showed no signs of slowing. A methodical 16-play, 94-yard drive consumed nearly seven minutes and ended with senior tight end Stone Eby's 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0.

Sam Keltner added a 24-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in the half for a commanding 24-0 advantage.

"One, we couldn't have played much better in the first half," Lashlee said. "Nobody has done that to Arizona's defense all year."

But Arizona, picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll before winning nine games, refused to go quietly.

The Elite 14+ Club: San Diego Prep Football’s Greatest Seasons

Photo & Information Credit: PartletonSports.com

Winning a CIF San Diego Section championship is hard. But reaching 14 or 15 victories in a single season? That's a benchmark only the most dominant programs in section history have achieved—an elite club that represents the very best of San Diego Prep Football.

Most Wins in a Single Season (CIF San Diego Section)

Team	Year	Record	CIF Section Title	State Result
Cathedral Catholic	2016	15–0	Open Division	🏆 D1-AA Champion
Morse	1990	14–0	Division 3-A	No State Playoffs
Morse	1992	14–0	Division 3-A	No State Playoffs
Cathedral Catholic	2008	14–0	Division III	🏆 D2 Champion
Oceanside	2009	14–0	Division II	🏆 D1 Champion
Bishop's	2010	14–0	Division V	🏆 D4 Champion
Madison	2012	14–1	Division IV	🏆 D3 Champion
El Capitan	2014	14–1	Division II	Runner-up
Oceanside	2014	14–1	Division I	Runner-up
Mater Dei Catholic	2015	14–1	Division IV	🏆 D4-AA Champion
Bishop's	2016	14–1	Division IV	🏆 D3-A Champion
Southwest-El Centro	2017	14–1	Division III	Runner-up