PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: 3C2A Week 10 Edition

National Central League Championship

Golden West (9–0, 6–0) @ Fullerton (7–2, 5–1)

Saturday, November 8 – Fullerton College (Fullerton, CA)

Photographer: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The 2025 regular season finale brings us a massive matchup in the National Central League as Golden West travels to Fullerton College on Saturday afternoon with the league title on the line.

Golden West enters Week 10 as the lone unbeaten team in the 3C2A, coming off another dominant performance — a 58–14 win over College of the Canyons. Quarterback Kauna‘oa Kamakawiwo‘ole was nearly flawless, completing 11-of-14 passes for 107 yards and 3 touchdowns, while backup Noa Banua connected on a 67-yard touchdown strike. The Rustlers’ offense was in full rhythm once again, with Dom Thompson leading the receiving corps with 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tanner Schmidt and David Daniels each added a score as the Rustlers spread the ball around with ease.

On the ground, Ardwon Morris and Aaron Mitchell both found the end zone, combining for 77 rushing yards. Defensively, Golden West continued its dominant stretch — Brandon Soleau returned an interception for a touchdown, and Taeden Rodgers added another interception to fuel a defense that’s forced multiple takeaways in five straight games.

The Rustlers have outscored opponents 154–34 over their last three contests, and another win Saturday would complete a perfect 10–0 regular season and cement their spot atop the 3C2A heading into the playoffs.

Fullerton enters at 7–2 and 5–1 in league play, looking to bounce back after a 19–17 loss to Cerritos last week. The Hornets still have a shot at sharing the league title with a win and will rely on a veteran offense led by quarterback Chris Lundsberg, who went 12-of-16 for 157 yards in last week’s contest.

Running back Fred Hunter has been the tone-setter, rushing for 86 yards and a touchdown, while dual-threat quarterback Jack Schierholz added 56 yards on the ground. JT Weir continues to lead the receiving corps, recording 76 yards on three catches, while Marc Essley II and Logan Lester provide reliable short-yardage options in the passing game.

On defense, Ethan Charpentier posted 9 tackles last week, and Nathan Lewis had 10 tackles and an interception, continuing to lead a physical and experienced Hornet defense. To pull the upset, Fullerton will need to control the clock and find ways to slow down the Rustlers’ relentless offensive tempo.

PREDICTION:

Fullerton has enough talent to make this competitive, but Golden West has looked every bit like the best team in the state — balanced, explosive, and battle-tested. Expect the Rustlers to keep the momentum rolling and close out a perfect regular season on the road.

JP’s Pick:

Golden West 42, Fullerton 20

National Southern League Championship

El Camino (8–1, 6–0) @ Saddleback (8–1, 6–0)

Saturday, November 8 1PM– Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, CA)

Photographers: Jeremy Westerbeck & Joey Gray

Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:

The stage is set in Mission Viejo for one of the biggest matchups in the state as Saddleback hosts El Camino in a battle of 8–1 powerhouses with the National Southern League title on the line. Both teams enter 6–0 in conference play, with the winner not only taking the league crown but also solidifying their standing among the 3C2A’s elite heading into postseason play.

Saddleback comes in red hot, winners of five straight after a strong stretch that’s seen the Bobcats dominate both sides of the football. Quarterback play has been efficient, the defense has been suffocating, and the offense continues to show impressive balance between the run and pass. Behind head coach Kerry Crabb, Saddleback has proven to be one of the most complete programs in Southern California, combining physicality up front with explosive skill talent that can break open a game at any moment.

The Bobcats’ defensive front has been the backbone of their success, forcing turnovers and controlling tempo. Linebackers have consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage, and the secondary has come up with big stops in key moments. The offense, meanwhile, has thrived behind strong quarterback efficiency, a disciplined ground game, and a deep group of receivers who continue to make big plays in space.

El Camino enters at 8–1 and has been just as dominant, leading the league in both scoring offense and total defense for much of the season. The Warriors’ only loss came early in the year, and since then they’ve reeled off six straight victories behind one of the most balanced attacks in the 3C2A.

The Warriors’ offense is led by a veteran quarterback who distributes the ball efficiently, complemented by a versatile backfield that can both grind out drives and break long runs. Their receiving corps has been explosive all year, and the defense is loaded with speed—especially in the secondary—making takeaways a weekly trademark.

El Camino’s biggest strength is its adaptability: they can win shootouts or grind out defensive battles, depending on what the game demands. Against a Saddleback team that thrives on discipline and execution, this matchup is as even as it gets.

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PREDICTION:

Both teams are championship-caliber, but Saddleback has been waiting for this moment all season. At home, in front of their fans in Mission Viejo, expect the Bobcats to rely on their balance, defense, and late-game poise to edge out a battle-tested El Camino squad. This one should come down to the fourth quarter, with the National Southern crown hanging in the balance.

JP’s Pick:

Saddleback 27, El Camino 24