Previews and Predictions: CIFSS Week 1 Edition

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #14 Yorba Linda @ #15 Edison

Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Justin Lee | Videographer: Tank Valenzuela

Preview:

Week 1 in the CIF Southern Section opens with a heavyweight clash in Huntington Beach as two Top-15 programs collide under the lights. The Yorba Linda Mustangs, ranked No. 14, rolled through Week 0 with a dominant 41-0 shutout over Mayfair, showing off a defense that never let the Monsoons breathe. Edison, meanwhile, leaned on resilience and execution in crunch time to edge Clovis West, 20-13.

This one has all the makings of a classic: Yorba Linda’s power and discipline against Edison’s speed and grit. With both teams carrying 1-0 records, the winner immediately asserts itself as one of Orange County’s elite early in the season.

JP’s Prediction: Yorba Linda continues its surge with a hard-fought 31-28 win over the Chargers.

#3 Corona Centennial @ #6 Santa Margarita

Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 PM – Trabuco Hills HS

Photographer: Joey Gray

Preview:

The fireworks should be plentiful in Rancho Santa Margarita as the No. 3 Centennial Huskies take on the No. 6 Santa Margarita Eagles. Centennial looked every bit the part of a national contender last week, steamrolling Servite 42-14 with their high-octane offense. Santa Margarita, on the other hand, comes in searching for a bounce-back after a narrow 7-3 loss to Mission Viejo.

If the Eagles can get their offense in rhythm, they’ll have the talent to trade blows with Centennial. But stopping the Huskies’ relentless tempo is a different challenge altogether.

JP’s Prediction: Centennial’s firepower proves too much, outlasting Santa Margarita 35-31.

Troy @ La Mirada

Thursday, Aug. 28, 7 PM – La Mirada HS

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

Preview:

La Mirada welcomes Troy in a matchup of two confident squads off Week 0 wins. The Matadors impressed in a 34-16 win over South Gate, while Troy delivered a statement of their own with a 35-21 victory against El Modena.

This game could come down to who controls the line of scrimmage. La Mirada boasts a balanced attack, but Troy has shown it can finish drives and win the physical battle.

JP’s Prediction: Troy keeps its momentum rolling with a 35-24 road victory.

#4 Mission Viejo @ St. Paul

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 PM – St. Paul HS

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

Preview:

Mission Viejo didn’t light up the scoreboard in Week 0, but its defense did the heavy lifting in a gritty 7-3 win over Santa Margarita. Now the Diablos head east to face St. Paul, a squad looking to regroup after a 42-14 loss to Bishop Amat.

St. Paul will need to slow down the Diablos’ speed on both sides of the ball, but Mission Viejo looks poised to hit another gear offensively in Week 1.

JP’s Prediction: Mission Viejo rolls to 2-0 with a commanding 56-21 victory.

Huntington Beach @ Trabuco Hills

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 PM – Trabuco Hills HS

Photographer: Joey Gray

Preview:

The Huntington Beach Oilers opened their season with a 35-18 win over Orange, thanks in part to a dominant defensive showing led by Gavin Seguin (3 sacks, 5 tackles). Trabuco Hills, meanwhile, begins its 2025 campaign looking to build off last year’s thrilling 42-38 comeback win over the Oilers.

Huntington Beach’s offense sputtered early last week, but if they can start fast, this could be the revenge game they’ve been waiting for.

JP’s Prediction: Oilers flip the script this time with a statement 42-21 victory.

Lancaster @ Newport Harbor

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 PM – Davidson Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Preview:

Newport Harbor looks to rebound in its home opener after falling in Week 0, while Lancaster comes in hungry following a heartbreaking 42-40 loss to Bishop Diego. The Sailors know they cannot afford an 0-2 start, especially on their home turf at Davidson Field.

This matchup figures to be close throughout, with both teams eager to prove they can finish late.

JP’s Prediction: Newport Harbor steadies the ship and grinds out a 31-28 win.

#10 Murrieta Valley @ #11 Servite

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 PM – Mt. San Antonio College

Photographer: Richard Do

Preview:

Two Top-15 teams clash in a game with major implications for early-season rankings. Servite will try to shake off last week’s lopsided loss to Centennial, while Murrieta Valley rides in on the confidence of a tight 28-26 win over Rancho Cucamonga.

Expect this one to be a defensive slugfest, with neither side giving much ground.

JP’s Prediction: Servite bounces back and edges out Murrieta Valley 21-18.

Redondo Union @ El Dorado

Friday, Aug. 29, 7 PM – Valencia HS (Placentia)

Photographer: Will Buchen

Preview:

Week 1 closes with Redondo Union traveling to take on El Dorado. The Golden Hawks come in flying high after a 30-0 shutout of Diamond Bar, while Redondo Union is eager to make a statement in its season opener.

With both defenses looking sharp, whichever offense establishes rhythm first could control the night.

JP’s Prediction: Redondo Union starts 2025 on a high note with a 42-17 win.

🔥 Upset Watch

#6 Santa Margarita vs. #3 Corona Centennial

The Eagles may have stumbled offensively in Week 0, but don’t count them out just yet. With playmakers across the board and home-field advantage at Trabuco Hills, Santa Margarita has the tools to push Centennial to the limit. If the Eagles can finish drives and force a turnover or two, they could flip the script and steal one from a Top-5 national powerhouse.