PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Quarterfinals Edition

#6 Mission Viejo @ #3 Mater Dei

CIF Southern Section Division 1

Friday – 7:00 PM | Santa Ana Stadium

Photographer: Joey Gray • Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:

The CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs kick off Friday night, and the JPWest Media Game of the Week opens with a heavyweight collision in Santa Ana. #3 Mater Dei (7–2) enters off its bye week after closing the regular season with a massive 36–31 win at St. John Bosco — a performance fueled by one of the most efficient offensive outings of their season.

Senior quarterback Ryan Hopkins threw for 295 yards and 5 touchdowns, carving up the Braves with explosive strikes and elite accuracy. Senior receiver Chris Henry Jr. delivered his best performance of the year, erupting for 213 yards and 2 scores, including a 70-yard sprint that flipped momentum in the second half. The Monarchs’ offense comes into November fully reloaded.

Mater Dei’s defense also delivered timely stops, led by CJ Lavender Jr.’s two interceptions and Dailon Clanton’s 11 tackles. The Monarchs piled up 7 hurries and showed improved discipline in the secondary — something they’ll desperately need against one of the fastest, most aggressive passing attacks in Southern California.

Mission Viejo (9–1) arrives after putting up 76 points on Los Alamitos in one of the most explosive outings the county has seen in years. Senior quarterback Luke Fahey lit up the Griffins for 569 passing yards and 5 touchdowns while adding 42 rushing yards for over 600 total yards. Junior receiver Jack Junker was unstoppable with 10 catches, 299 yards, and 3 touchdowns, torching coverages at every level.

Running back Davonte Curtis added 107 rushing yards and a touchdown to keep the Diablos balanced, while the defensive trio of Brady Bowman (14 tackles), Matthew Dalhover (14 tackles), and Zachary Foeldi (12 tackles) held firm when needed. But this Mater Dei receiving corps — and this quarterback — present a different kind of challenge than anything the Diablos have faced this year.

This matchup will come down to tempo, red-zone efficiency, and which defense can string together stops in the second half. Mater Dei thrives on explosive efficiency. Mission Viejo thrives on volume and pace. Whoever controls the flow wins.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Both teams enter hot, but Mater Dei’s improvements on defense paired with Hopkins’ chemistry with Henry Jr. give the Monarchs a slight edge late.

JP’s Pick: Mater Dei 27, Mission Viejo 21

#8 Orange Lutheran @ #1 St. John Bosco

CIF Southern Section Division 1

Friday – 7:00 PM | Panish Family Stadium

Photographer: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

Top-seeded St. John Bosco returns to action Friday night after the Division 1 bye week, hosting #8 Orange Lutheran in Bellflower as the Braves begin their CIF championship push. Bosco closed the regular season with a tight 36–31 loss to Mater Dei, but even in defeat the Braves showed plenty of firepower — especially from junior quarterback Koa Maluʻulu, who threw for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 21 of 40 attempts. However, Mater Dei forced him into three interceptions, a point of emphasis Bosco will look to correct entering the postseason.

The ground game remains a strength, led by Maliq Allen, who picked up 77 yards and a touchdown on just eight carries in the Trinity League finale. In the passing game, sophomore wideout DJ Tubbs continues to emerge, turning in a strong performance against the Monarchs with 108 yards and a touchdown on four receptions — another dangerous weapon Bosco will lean on Friday.

Defensively, the Braves played well enough to win last time out but were hurt by deep-shot explosives. Expect adjustments, especially with Bosco’s pass rush and secondary depth matching up against a team that has struggled to consistently generate big plays.

Orange Lutheran enters the quarterfinal after a competitive 30–28 loss to Servite to close the regular season. Junior quarterback Reagan Toki threw for 203 yards and a touchdown, and senior receiver Markus Kier hauled in six receptions for 77 yards to pace the Lancers’ air attack. Sophomore running back Sean Morris Jr. chipped in with 48 receiving yards and a touchdown, finishing with 74 all-purpose yards.

Defensively, the Lancers played one of their better games of the year, recording two sacks (Leomiti and Fakatau) and getting eight tackles each from seniors Christian Panapa and King Rich Johnson. The effort was strong — but this week brings a different challenge entirely.

The matchup leans heavily toward Bosco in the trenches, in depth, and in overall explosiveness. Orange Lutheran battles, but the Braves have the personnel to control tempo from start to finish.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Bosco rebounds from the Mater Dei loss with their most complete performance in weeks. Maluʻulu settles in, the ground game rolls, and the Braves’ defense forces turnovers early to set the tone.

JP’s Prediction: St. John Bosco 31, Orange Lutheran 13

#4 San Juan Hills @ #5 Los Alamitos

CIF Southern Section Division 2

Friday – 7:00 PM | Veterans Stadium (Long Beach)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

Veterans Stadium hosts one of the most intriguing matchups of the Division 2 Quarterfinals as #4 San Juan Hills heads north to take on #5 Los Alamitos in a Friday night showdown. Both teams enter after dramatic Round 1 victories — each proving they’re built for playoff football.

San Juan Hills comes in riding major momentum after a thrilling 28–27 walk-off field goal win over Downey from Kyle Donahue, delivering one of the most composed postseason finishes anywhere in Southern California last week. Senior quarterback Timmy Herr was exceptional, completing 21 of 27 passes for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns, operating the Stallions’ offense with near-flawless efficiency. He also added 46 yards on the ground, extending plays and keeping the Vikings’ defense off balance.

The Stallions’ playmakers shined all night. Ryan Matheson was the engine with 10 receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, while Luke Frith added 90 yards and a score on five receptions, including a 46-yard catch that flipped momentum. Elijah Ayala contributed 74 total yards and served as a reliable safety valve in both the run and passing game.

Defensively, San Juan Hills delivered one of its toughest performances of the season, finishing with 64 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Senior linebacker Jacob Mullen (10 tackles), edge rusher Bryce Bockler (6 tackles), and junior standout Cooper Chila (1 sack, 1 TFL) anchored a defensive unit that came up clutch in key moments.

Los Alamitos enters after a gritty comeback victory of its own, rallying from a 28–14 halftime deficit to defeat Yorba Linda 35–28. The Griffins’ second-half surge showcased their depth, conditioning, and explosive ability to flip a game in a matter of minutes. The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter when Lenny Ibarra secured the game-sealing interception, icing the Griffins’ advance to the quarterfinals.

Offensively, Los Al hit its stride after halftime, getting key contributions from its perimeter weapons and sustaining drives that wore down the Mustangs over the final two quarters. Their athleticism, spacing, and ability to stress defenses laterally and vertically make them a tough matchup when they’re rolling.

This game is a true clash of playoff-caliber strengths:

San Juan Hills brings precision, discipline, and one of the most efficient passing attacks in Division 2.

Los Al brings tempo, big-play threats, and the ability to overwhelm opponents in stretches.

With both teams coming off tight victories, Friday night figures to be decided by red-zone execution, third-down conversion rate, and which defense can make the defining play late.

JP’S PREDICTION:

San Juan Hills has all the tools to make this one a four-quarter battle, and Herr’s calm presence gives the Stallions a real chance. But Los Alamitos’ late-game explosiveness and home-field edge at Veterans Stadium give them the slight nod in what projects as another tight, emotional finish.

JP’s Prediction: Los Alamitos 24, San Juan Hills 20

#7 Edison @ #15 Inglewood

CIF Southern Section Division 3

Friday – 7:00 PM | Caroline Coleman Stadium

Photographer: John Clingan

PREVIEW:

Division 3 takes center stage Friday night as #7 Edison heads to Caroline Coleman Stadium for a massive quarterfinal matchup against #15 Inglewood — a Sentinels team that just delivered one of their most dominant wins of the season.

Edison enters after a convincing 31–19 win over Huntington Beach, powered by a near-flawless outing from senior quarterback Sam Thomson. Thomson was sharp from start to finish, completing 14 of 18 passes for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns, keeping the Chargers ahead all night with timely throws and excellent decision-making.

His top target, Matthew Auau, was unstoppable — finishing with 8 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, averaging 18.6 yards per catch and consistently winning downfield. On the ground, Edison used a steady rotation, led by Maddox Thomas’s 41 yards and a touchdown, while Anthony Godinez added 29 tough yards between the tackles.

Defensively, the Chargers were active and physical, getting key contributions from Matthew Auau (6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble), Teo Hampton (6 tackles), and Maddox Thomas (7 total tackles). Conrad Barrera added the team’s lone interception, and kicker Crue Bradshaw delivered a perfect night with a 42-yard field goal and 4 touchbacks on kickoffs.

But the challenge in front of Edison is significantly bigger this week.

Inglewood enters this quarterfinal scorching hot after blasting #2 seed Capistrano Valley 40–16 behind one of the most balanced offensive performances in the entire round. The Sentinels ran for 395 yards as a team, averaging an incredible 9.0 yards per rush, headlined by junior running back Semaj Welch (136 yards, 2 TDs) and senior Austin Tillman (82 yards, TD).

Sophomore quarterback Lincoln Jahn complemented the rushing attack with a highly efficient night, throwing for 169 yards on 11-of-15 passing with chunk gains all over the field. His top target, Allen Wilson, exploded for 101 receiving yards on just five receptions.

Defensively, Inglewood was equally dominant. Senior linebacker Robert Nobles was everywhere with 16 tackles, while the Sentinels racked up 5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and two interceptions, including a 50-yard return from Chase Wesley. The front seven overwhelmed Capo Valley throughout the second half and set the tone physically from the opening drive.

This matchup is a contrast of styles:

• Edison plays sharp, structured football built around execution, efficiency, and limiting mistakes.

• Inglewood thrives on overwhelming opponents with athleticism, tempo, and explosive playmaking on both sides of the ball.

If the Chargers can neutralize Inglewood’s run game and force Jahn into long passing downs, they keep this into the fourth quarter. But if the Sentinels get rolling downhill like they did last week, they become extremely hard to stop.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Edison has the quarterback advantage and enough perimeter talent to land punches. But Inglewood’s physicality, speed, and run-game depth — especially at home — give them the inside track.

JP’s Prediction: Inglewood 21, Edison 17

#7 Cathedral LA @ #2 La Habra

CIF Southern Section Division 4

Friday – 7:00 PM | Highlander House

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

PREVIEW:

Division 4 rolls into a heavyweight quarterfinal at Highlander House as #2 La Habra hosts #7 Cathedral LA — a Phantoms team fresh off one of the most explosive offensive performances of the opening round.

La Habra enters after a commanding 41–7 win over El Modena, where the Highlanders controlled every phase from start to finish. Their offense leaned on a dominant ground attack, led by Kevika Mata’Utia-Mitchell’s 142 rushing yards, while quarterback DJ Mitchell added 92 yards of his own with a mix of designed runs and opportunistic scrambles. Through the air, Bryce Vasquez was the big-play threat, finishing with 103 yards and a touchdown as La Habra repeatedly flipped field position with chunk gains.

Defensively, the Highlanders delivered one of the top performances in the entire Division 4 bracket. BJ Brooks put together a monster night with three interceptions — including a pick-six — while the La Habra front racked up 8 tackles for loss, featuring standout moments from Luke Hedgpeth, Noah Barajas, and Travis Trujillo. The Highlanders forced four turnovers, swarmed the perimeter, and never allowed El Modena to settle into a rhythm.

But Cathedral brings a completely different challenge.

The Phantoms enter after a strong 40–21 win over Western where their offense exploded behind junior quarterback Jaden Jefferson. Jefferson was poised and controlled throughout, throwing for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 70% of his attempts. His top target, Glenn Carrera III, was nearly unguardable with 163 receiving yards, consistently winning deep, over the middle, and after the catch. Jalen Ross and Quentin Hale added touchdowns as Cathedral showcased one of the most dangerous passing attacks in Division 4.

Defensively, the Phantoms were just as disruptive, finishing with 6 sacks, 12 QB hurries, and multiple pressures that derailed Western’s drives all night. I. Greer, J. Lacroix, and K. Pineda headline a front that attacks gaps violently and forces offenses into uncomfortable situations. Cathedral also added two interceptions, including a 50-yard return from C. Wesley, highlighting their ability to flip momentum instantly.

This matchup lines up as a war of strengths:

• La Habra’s balance, discipline, and physicality on both lines

• Cathedral’s explosive offense and pressure-heavy defensive front

If La Habra can control the tempo, run the ball effectively, and force Jefferson into tight-window throws, they keep the game on their terms. But if Cathedral hits early vertical shots and their front dictates passing downs, this becomes a true fight deep into the fourth quarter.

JP’S PREDICTION:

La Habra has been one of the most consistent teams in Division 4 all season and has the defensive playmaking to counter Cathedral’s athletes. But Cathedral’s ability to score quickly and create chaos defensively makes them a legitimate threat to pull the upset.

JP’s Prediction: La Habra 28, Cathedral 17

#3 Oaks Christian @ #11 Paraclete

CIF Southern Section Division 4

Friday – 7:00 PM | Paraclete High School

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW:

Division 4 rolls into quarterfinal weekend as #3 Oaks Christian hits the road to Paraclete High School to take on the #11 Spirits — a Paraclete group coming off one of the most explosive offensive performances of the postseason.

Oaks Christian enters at 5–6, but they’ve been shaped by one of the toughest schedules in Southern California, and that experience showed last week in a gritty 16–13 win over St. Bonaventure.

Freshman quarterback Niko Bladow threw for 150 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore receiver Christian Butler delivered the biggest play of the night — an 82-yard strike that broke the game open early. The Lions’ defense carried them the rest of the way, racking up 9 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Senior Deshonne Redeaux was a force with 76 rushing yards and 2.0 sacks, while freshman safety Lucas Knoos added 9 total tackles and a sack.

But the Lions now face a completely different challenge.

Paraclete enters after a 54–48 shootout win over Woodrow Wilson, a game dominated by senior quarterback Joseph Mesa, who delivered one of the most electric individual performances in the CIFSS postseason so far:

24-of-32, 450 yards, 7 touchdowns — plus 35 rushing yards.

His top weapon, senior ATH Adrian Jones, shredded the Wilson secondary with 8 receptions for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns. Junior Jeffrey Patino added 73 yards and a score, and sophomore RB Kyle Fulton Jr. contributed 106 rushing yards to round out a balanced attack.

Defensively, the Spirits found just enough big moments. Senior LB Darren Coleman posted 7 tackles and a sack, sophomore DE Austin Robinson added another sack, and junior CB Jaivyn Nelson made two huge kick returns for 88 yards that changed momentum late.

This matchup is a clear contrast in styles:

Oaks Christian

• Defense-led

• Disciplined, physical, structured

• Look to control tempo and shorten the game

Paraclete

• Fast-paced, explosive, and unpredictable

• Multiple big-play threats

• A quarterback playing elite football right now

For the Lions, the key is simple: force Mesa into long drives, avoid giving up quick-strike touchdowns, and turn this into a slower, possession-based game.

If Paraclete dictates pace and gets into rhythm early, the Spirits’ explosiveness becomes extremely difficult to match — especially at home.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Oaks Christian will bring physicality and defensive toughness, but Paraclete’s offensive momentum and playmaker depth give them the advantage at home.

JP’s Prediction: Paraclete 30, Oaks Christian 20.