GAME OF THE WEEK RECAP AND TOP PHOTOS: Stokes, Trailblazers Dominate The Lancers At Orange Coast

By Justin Tatsuki Lee

Thursday September 19, 2025

Game: #3 Sierra Canyon vs #9 Orange Lutheran

COSTA MESA, CA-Sierra Canyon’s defense came to put on a show against the Lancers in their own home in a statement win for the Trailblazers 41-9. Texas Longhorn commit Richard Wesley and the Trailblazer defense would keep yardage to a premium throughout the game which allowed the offense to take control of the game with Jaxsen Stokes getting the hat trick with three trips to the endzone. 

Orange Lutheran would be given a massive opportunity at the beginning of the game with a pick on the first drive for Sierra Canyon with Kiingbaraka Kizzee taking a ball that was underthrown by Quarterback Laird Finkel to his intended target. Sierra Canyon’s defense, which had only given up 7 points in 4 games prior, would stand unphased, forcing a field goal by the Lancers. Laird Finkel would bounce back on the ensuing drive finding Sir Homer King Webb to take the lead early. Orange Lutheran would attempt to respond after  a massive return by Chris Flores Jr near midfield, but stopped by the defense of Sierra Canyon on fourth and one. With a big play from Tron Baker into the redzone, the Trailblazers would pull off a double reverse throw to Brayden Tautolo to increase the lead. The first quarter would be capped off by a punt return to the house by Havon Finney Jr after the Sierra Canyon defense forced a 3 and out for the Lancers. 

Much of the second quarter was dominated by the Sierra Canyon defense with Wesley getting home on multiple plays to sack Reagan Toki, giving him no time in the pocket throughout the game. Kasi Currie would earn two tackles for loss and an interception in a span of a few plays to set up the first of three touchdowns for Jaxsen Stokes. OLu would reach the endzone for the first time on a blocked field goal near the end of the first half with Matthew Zapien scooping the ball and taking it to the other side. Sierra Canyon would maintain a 18 point lead going into halftime. 

Orange Lutheran would start Ezrah Brown in place of Reagan Toki going into the second half. The rest of the night would be a shutout by the Trailblazer defense with Madden Riordan capping off the game with an interception to seal it. Sierra Canyon showcased their ability to be a top defense in the big game and have the potential to contend with the top teams in the Southern Section. With league play right around the corner, Sierra Canyon will get a break with a bye week coming up. 

Orange Lutheran will also be going into a bye week to prepare for Trinity league play where they take on Mater Dei on October 3rd at home. Meanwhile, Sierra Canyon will set up to take on Serra back at home in Chatsworth.