PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 2 Edition

Western @ Huntington Beach

Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

Week 2 kicks off Thursday night with a playoff rematch from last fall as the Huntington Beach Oilers host the Western Pioneers under the lights at Cap Sheue Field.

The Oilers (1–1) are looking to rebound after a heartbreaking 20–19 loss to Trabuco Hills last week, where they let a 19–7 fourth-quarter lead slip away. Quarterback Brady Edmunds showcased his arm with 219 yards and 3 TDs on 19-for-31 passing, with wideout Troy Foster emerging as his favorite target (9 catches, 157 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Nathan Villanueva powered the rushing attack with 115 yards on 16 carries. Defensively, linebacker Logan Gray led the way with 8 tackles.

The Pioneers (2–0) arrive with momentum after a statement 35–28 win over Villa Park. Dual-threat quarterback Chance Thomas stole the show, accounting for four total touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing) while piling up 152 yards through the air and 81 yards on the ground. Wide receiver Maxwell “Bunchie” Young provided the spark on the perimeter, hauling in 6 passes for 122 yards and 3 scores.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Huntington Beach bounces back in dramatic fashion, edging Western 24–21.

JPWest Media Game of the Week

Folsom @ #3 Mission Viejo

Friday, Sept. 5, 7 PM – Diablo Stadium

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

PREVIEW:

A clash of California powers highlights the slate as NorCal’s #9 Folsom Bulldogs make the trip south to battle SoCal’s #3 Mission Viejo Diablos. This is a true early-season measuring stick with state and national implications.

The Diablos (2–0) enter fresh off a 58–14 rout of St. Paul, powered by quarterback Luke Fahey’s near-perfect night (23-of-26, 375 yards, 4 TDs). Receivers KJ Woodbury and Jack Junker each posted 115+ yards and a score, showing just how dangerous Mission’s passing game can be.

Folsom (2–0) counters with its own offensive fireworks after a thrilling 56–42 shootout win over Junipero Serra (San Mateo). Quarterback Ryder Lyons lit up the scoreboard with 389 yards and 4 TDs through the air plus 3 rushing scores. Receiver Jameson Powell was unstoppable, hauling in 9 catches for 219 yards and 3 TDs.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Mission Viejo wins an offensive shootout, outlasting Folsom 63–57.

Newport Harbor @ El Modena

Friday, Sept. 4, 7 PM – Fred Kelly Stadium

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Newport Harbor (1–1) enters with confidence after a 42–26 win over Lancaster, where QB Jake Meer threw 4 TDs and WR Jackson Stremick led the charge with 112 yards and 2 scores.

El Modena (0–2) is still searching for its first victory after falling to Dana Hills 30–14. Quarterback Ethan Sorenson showed flashes with 197 passing yards and a TD, but the Vanguards will need a cleaner performance to avoid slipping further behind.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Newport Harbor keeps rolling, 35–14.

#18 Chaparral @ #25 San Clemente

Friday, Sept. 5, 7 PM – Thalassa Stadium

Photographer: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The Tritons (2–0) make their first appearance in the JPWest Media Top 25 after a 35–15 win over Riverton (UT). QB Eiler King was sharp, completing 19 of 23 for 195 yards and 2 TDs, while WR Jaxson Rex paced the offense with 102 yards and a score.

Chaparral (0–1) is fresh off a bye but will look to bounce back from a 38–33 loss to San Juan Hills. QB Dane Weber totaled nearly 400 yards (290 passing, 104 rushing) and 4 TDs in the defeat, showcasing his ability to carry an offense.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Chaparral rides Weber’s dual-threat ability to a 35–21 road win.

Capistrano Valley @ Crean Lutheran

Friday, Sept. 5, 7 PM – Crean Lutheran HS

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

PREVIEW:

A family storyline takes center stage as Capo Valley (2–0) and Crean Lutheran (2–0) meet in a father-son head coaching matchup.

Capo QB Talon Spencer delivered 3 TD passes and 80 rushing yards in last week’s win over Campo Verde, while Crean Lutheran QB Caden Jones put up 313 passing yards and 2 TDs in a 42–10 rout of St. Pius X–St. Matthias. WR Bryce Coleman was electric with 203 yards and 3 TDs on 7 catches.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Crean Lutheran remains unbeaten, 42–21.

Lakewood @ #17 Edison

Friday, Sept. 5, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Will Buchen

PREVIEW:

Edison (1–1) looks to regroup after letting a late lead slip in last week’s JPWest Media Game of the Week loss to Yorba Linda.

Lakewood (1–1) comes in confident after a 35–14 win over St. Anthony, fueled by QB Kade Casillas (340 yards, 3 TDs) and WR Kenny Niumatavaelu (143 yards, 1 TD).

PREDICTION:

JP’s Prediction: Edison steadies the ship at home, 31–14.

Upset Watch 🚨

One matchup to keep an eye on is Western at Huntington Beach. While the Oilers are favored at home, Western’s dual-threat QB Chance Thomas and playmaker Bunchie Young have the firepower to swing momentum quickly. If Huntington Beach struggles to close out drives like they did against Trabuco Hills, the Pioneers could walk away with a statement win on the road.