PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 10 Edition

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #11 Corona del Mar @ #15 Yorba Linda

Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium (Yorba Linda, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

Thursday Night Football heads to Orange County’s north hills for a massive Bravo League finale between two Top-15 powers as #11 Corona del Mar (9–0, 2–0) travels to take on #15 Yorba Linda (7–2, 1–1) at Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium.

This one carries major championship implications — Corona del Mar can clinch the outright Bravo League title with a win, while Yorba Linda looks to create a three-way tie for the league championship with an upset on their home field.

The Sea Kings have been one of the CIF Southern Section’s most balanced teams all year, staying perfect behind senior quarterback Brady Annett, who comes off a record-setting night in CdM’s 47–8 win over Tesoro — completing 18 of 25 passes for 319 yards and 7 touchdowns. His deep-ball chemistry with senior receiver Garrett James continues to dominate defenses, as James exploded for 5 receptions for 178 yards and 4 scores, while Dorsett Stecker added 8 catches for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Defensively, CdM is just as dangerous. Senior linebacker Cash Pearsall posted 11 tackles, a sack, and a TFL, Henry Birchard recorded a 45-yard interception return, and the Sea Kings’ front seven applied constant pressure throughout.

Yorba Linda, meanwhile, has regained form heading into the finale after a 41–14 win over Newport Harbor, fueled by a dual-QB performance from Noah Trujillo and Colin O’Connor, who combined for 164 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. The Mustangs also pounded out 141 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns, led by Aiden Gutierrez (43 yards, TD) and Vaughn Sharp (39 yards, TD). Defensively, Yorba Linda totaled 60 tackles, 4 TFLs, and 2 interceptions, highlighted by Sharp’s sack and Tanner Melvin’s interception.

This matchup brings everything you want in a regular-season finale — two elite offenses, physical defenses, and a league title on the line under the lights in Yorba Linda.

JP’S PICK:

Corona del Mar 35, Yorba Linda 24

Villa Park @ Newport Harbor

Thursday, October 30, 2025 – Davidson Field (Newport Beach, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

The Bravo League finale kicks off Thursday night at Davidson Field, where Villa Park (4–5, 0–2) looks to finish strong against Newport Harbor (2–7, 0–2) in a matchup of two proud programs closing out the regular season under the lights.

Villa Park enters coming off a 28–10 road loss to San Juan Hills, where quarterback Vince LaGatta continued his steady senior campaign. The 6-foot-1 senior has thrown for 703 yards and 5 touchdowns this season while completing nearly 59% of his passes. He’ll look to ignite the Spartans’ offense against a Sailors defense that’s allowed 40+ points in consecutive weeks.

For Newport Harbor, senior quarterback Jake Meer shared snaps with junior Jordan Spigarelli in last week’s 41–14 loss to Yorba Linda, combining for 12 completions on 20 attempts for 143 yards and a touchdown. Meer, one of the team’s veteran leaders, has been a consistent presence for the Sailors offense this fall. Junior receiver Jackson Stremick shined in the loss, catching 4 passes for 89 yards and a 63-yard touchdown, while the defense was led by Glenn Baranoski (9 tackles) and Cameron Hatfield (8 tackles).

Both teams will look to close out the season with momentum before heading into the offseason. Villa Park’s experience behind LaGatta could give the Spartans the edge, but Newport Harbor’s seniors — led by Meer and Baranoski — will fight to end their home finale on a high note.

JP’S PICK:

Villa Park 27, Newport Harbor 20

#5 Mater Dei @ #1 St. John Bosco

Friday, October 31, 2025 – Panish Family Stadium (Bellflower, CA)

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

Broadcast: Spectrum News 1

PREVIEW:

The lights will be brightest on Halloween Night as the high school football world turns its attention to Panish Family Stadium, where #5 Mater Dei (6–2, 2–1) travels to face unbeaten #1 St. John Bosco (9–0, 3–0) in the Trinity League regular season finale.

The stakes couldn’t be higher — Bosco is looking to clinch the Trinity League title outright and secure the #1 seed in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, while Mater Dei will try to play spoiler and create a three-way tie atop the league standings.

Mater Dei enters after a dominant 40–7 victory over JSerra, where senior quarterback Ryan Hopkins continued his efficient season, surpassing 1,700 yards passing and 11 touchdowns on the year while completing over 60% of his throws. Hopkins has shown poise leading the Monarchs’ offense, balancing their precision passing game with a steady ground attack. The Monarchs’ defense, led by an athletic secondary and physical front seven, allowed just one score in the win and has been among the stingiest in Division 1 since midseason.

On the other sideline, Bosco remains the gold standard in the Southland — a complete, disciplined unit that has overwhelmed opponents all year. The Braves come off a 42–0 shutout of #10 Servite, led by sophomore quarterback Koa Malau‘ulu, who threw for 229 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing nearly 67% of his passes. Junior running back Maliq Allen added 82 yards rushing and a receiving score, while the defense posted its third shutout of the year, led by linebacker Josiah Poyer (7 tackles, TFL) and defensive end Dutch Horisk (7 tackles, 2 TFLs).

With stars all over the field and playoff seeding on the line, this clash renews one of the nation’s most electric rivalries. Bosco’s efficiency and depth have them favored, but Mater Dei’s experience and resilience could make for a Halloween thriller under the lights.

JP’S PICK:

St. John Bosco 31, Mater Dei 21

#16 San Clemente @ Edison

Friday, October 31, 2025 – Cap Sheue Field (Huntington Beach, CA)

Photographers: Joey Gray, John Clingan

PREVIEW:

Friday night lights take us to Cap Sheue Field for a crucial Alpha League regular season finale as the surging #16 San Clemente Tritons (6–3, 2–1) head north to face the Edison Chargers (5–4, 1–2) in a matchup with playoff stakes on the line.

San Clemente enters with momentum after a statement 28–9 upset win over #7 Los Alamitos, handing the Griffins their first loss of the season. Sophomore quarterback Preston Beck was efficient through the air, completing 19 of 32 passes for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns, all to junior wideout Jaxson Rex, who finished with 8 catches for 107 yards. Senior running back Carson Sloan added 59 yards and a score, while the Tritons’ defense delivered a masterpiece — totaling 64 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 4 sacks, led by defensive end Joshua Kerst (3 sacks) and linebacker Patrick Norman (8 tackles, sack).

For Edison, the Chargers are looking to bounce back from a 37–20 loss to Mission Viejo, where junior quarterback Sam Thomson threw for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior running back Maddox Thomas led the ground game with 45 rushing yards, while junior receiver Brennan Vares hauled in 3 catches for 47 yards. On defense, Edison was led by junior linebacker Ashton Godley (12 tackles) and junior corner Teo Hampton (9 tackles), as the Chargers held strong early before Mission Viejo pulled away late.

With the second guaranteed playoff spot in the Alpha League at stake, expect intensity from both sides. San Clemente’s defensive front and recent surge make them a dangerous opponent, but Edison’s home-field advantage and offensive balance could make this a Halloween showdown to remember.

JP’S PICK:

San Clemente 30, Edison 14

#24 Huntington Beach @ El Dorado

Friday, October 31, 2025 – Valencia High School (Placentia, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

The regular season concludes in Epsilon League play as the #24 Huntington Beach Oilers (7–2, 3–1) travel to Valencia High School to face the El Dorado Golden Hawks (4–5, 1–3) in a Friday night showdown. The Oilers have already secured the second guaranteed playoff spot out of the Epsilon League but will look to close strong and rebound after a narrow 31–28 loss at Crean Lutheran.

Quarterback Brady Edmunds was once again sharp for Huntington Beach, throwing for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding a 1-yard rushing score. Senior wideout Troy Foster had another explosive night with 7 receptions for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns, pushing his season total past 3,000 career receiving yards, while Steel Kurtz added 4 catches for 51 yards. Defensively, the Oilers were led by Maxx Hopkins (8 tackles), Charlie Stubin (9 tackles), and Jimmel Champion (8 tackles) as the team fought down to the wire in a back-and-forth battle.

For El Dorado, the Golden Hawks are coming off a 31–13 loss to Foothill, where junior quarterback Ty Ayala threw for 55 yards and a touchdown, and receiver Justin Karg led the team with 3 catches for 57 yards and an interception on defense. Linebacker Cooper Larson (12 tackles) and Alonzo Anguiano (12 tackles, TFL) anchored the defense, while sophomore Dante Selway recorded 8 tackles, 1 TFL, and an interception, highlighting a group that has battled all season.

With playoff positioning set for Huntington Beach and pride on the line for El Dorado, this Epsilon League finale serves as a tune-up for the Oilers before the postseason and an opportunity for the Golden Hawks to close the season on a high note. Expect Huntington Beach to rely on their vertical attack early and often as they look to enter the playoffs with momentum.

JP’S PICK:

Huntington Beach 38, El Dorado 17