PREVIEW AND PREDICTION: Regional Finals Edition

Cathedral Catholic @ Los Alamitos

CIF State Regional Final – Friday, 7:30 PM | Veterans Stadium (Long Beach, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray • Reporter: Justin Lee

Live on Spectrum SportsNet

PREVIEW:

Regional Championship Friday brings a marquee Southern California matchup as CIF San Diego Open Division champion Cathedral Catholic travels north to face CIF Southern Section Division 2 champion Los Alamitos at Veterans Stadium — a meeting between two postseason-tested programs coming off major November victories.

Los Alamitos enters the Regional Final fresh off a complete championship effort against San Clemente, where the Griffins leaned on a balanced offense that produced 431 total yards, including 252 rushing yards. Junior running back Kamden Tillis delivered one of the standout performances of the entire CIFSS postseason, rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns while adding 53 receiving yards to finish with 183 all-purpose yards. Senior athlete Lenny Ibarra added 99 rushing yards, giving Los Al a strong two-back presence behind a front that controlled the line for four quarters.

Quarterback Colin Creason continued his efficient postseason stretch, completing 15 of 21 passes for 179 yards, while senior tight end and kicker Beckham Hofland provided 15 points, converting all three PATs, both field goal attempts, and a touchdown. Defensively, Los Alamitos came up with two key interceptions — one each from Koa Marasco and Lenny Ibarra — helping secure the program’s first section title since 2002.

Cathedral Catholic enters the regional stage after rallying to defeat Carlsbad, 20–16, on Tuesday night, scoring 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to pull off one of the biggest turnarounds of the postseason. Junior running back Honor Fa’alave-Johnson paced the Dons with 106 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while the Cathedral defense shut out the Lancers over the final quarter to complete the comeback.

The Dons’ postseason identity has been built on disciplined defense, physical downhill running, and fourth-quarter poise — traits that have defined their open-division success over the past decade. Defensively, Cathedral Catholic has been strong situationally this postseason, forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays when they matter most.

This matchup brings together two programs that emphasize physicality, execution, and ball control. Los Alamitos enters with the more explosive offense and a ground game that has surged over the last month, while Cathedral Catholic arrives with a proven postseason formula and a track record of elevating late in games. The battle in the trenches and the ability to finish drives will dictate who advances to next week’s State Championship bowl.

JP’S PICK:

Los Alamitos 27, Cathedral Catholic 20

The Griffins’ momentum continues, powered by their multi-dimensional run game and an offense that has been highly efficient in November. Los Al capitalizes on key red-zone opportunities and delivers enough defensive stops late to secure the program’s first State Championship appearance.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #2 Saddleback @ #1 Golden West

Saturday – 12:00 PM | Golden West College (Huntington Beach, CA)

Photographers: Richard Do & Jeremy Westerbeck • Reporter: Isabella Lyons

Live on SoCalCollegeSports1 / YouTube

PREVIEW:

Championship Saturday brings the JUCO spotlight to Huntington Beach as #2 Saddleback heads up North OC to face #1 Golden West in the SCFA Championship — with a berth in the 3C2A State Final on the line. Both programs enter on major winning streaks and playing their best football of the season.

Saddleback has surged behind quarterback Tyler Dudden, winning three straight by wide margins: 48–7 over Southwestern, 49–7 over El Camino, and 58–28 over #3 Mt. SAC in last week’s SCFA Semifinals. Over that stretch, the Bobcats have allowed just 42 total points while scoring 155.

Dudden led Saddleback’s semifinal victory with 203 passing yards, a touchdown, and 55 rushing yards, guiding an offense that produced more than 500 total yards. The run game was dominant again, led by Kavaughn Clark (110 yards, 3 TD) and Darrian Campbell (78 yards, 3 TD). In the passing game, Francisco Martinez and Nicholas Gentilella combined for 114 yards, while Manuel Maganda added seven PATs and a 33-yard field goal.

Defensively, Saddleback created pressure and key stops, including sacks from Roman Hardin, Jack Knudtson, and Jaden Genova, along with an interception from Orlando Gonzalez. The Bobcats’ front has been a major catalyst during their late-season run.

Golden West enters with a three-game winning streak of its own, defeating Canyons 58–14, Fullerton 33–22, and #4 Ventura 56–38 last weekend. The Rustlers have topped 50 points twice during that stretch and continue to operate one of California’s most efficient passing attacks.

Quarterback Kauna‘oa Kamakawiwo‘ole threw for 273 yards and five touchdowns in the semifinal win, with wide receiver Tanner Schmidt putting together a standout performance — 10 receptions, 147 yards, and four touchdowns. Will McKissick added 60 receiving yards and a score, giving Golden West multiple explosive playmakers.

On defense, Brandon Soleau, Drew Faulkner, and Taeden Rogers each recorded interceptions, helping the Rustlers create separation in the second half. Special teams also delivered a major spark with Faulkner’s 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, flipping momentum and field position.

Saturday’s matchup brings together two of the strongest and hottest programs in the state — Saddleback with its physical run game and surging defense, Golden West with an elite passing attack and one of the most dangerous special teams units in California. Execution in the red zone and third-down stops will dictate who advances to the 3C2A State Final.

JP’S PICK:

Saddleback 35, Golden West 31

Saddleback’s momentum becomes the difference. The Bobcats enter playing their best football of the season, riding three straight dominant wins and a run game that has overwhelmed opponents throughout November. Behind the combination of Tyler Dudden’s efficiency, a backfield producing at a high level, and a defense that has tightened late in games, Saddleback finds enough key stops in the second half to edge Golden West on the road and advance to the 3C2A State Final.