PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 3 Edition

Cajon @ Newport Harbor

Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 PM – Davidson Field

Photographers: Jeremy Westerbeck, Bailey Sanchez, Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Week 3 kicks off Thursday night in Newport Beach, where the Sailors will look to bounce back against a Cajon squad brimming with young talent.

Newport Harbor let one slip away last week, falling 21–17 to El Modena after surrendering 15 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jake Meer put together a strong outing, going 15-of-30 for 227 yards and two scores, with receiver Shane McKibbin hauling in five catches for 83 yards. The Sailors’ defense, however, must close stronger if they want to avoid another late collapse.

Cajon, meanwhile, comes in at 1–1 behind electric freshman quarterback Marcus Washington. Washington was dynamic last week, throwing for 158 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 117 yards and another score. The Cowboys beat the Sailors 41–21 last season, and will look to replicate that success on the road.

JP’s Prediction: Newport Harbor finds a way late, getting the 21-18 victory

#15 Edison @ Palos Verdes

Friday, Sept. 12, 3:30 PM – Palos Verdes HS

Photographers: Jeremy Westerbeck, John Clingan

PREVIEW:

Friday afternoon brings a clash of champions as last year’s Division 1 state champion Edison Chargers head to the peninsula to face Division 3 champion Palos Verdes.

The Chargers got back on track last week with a dominant 31–0 shutout of Lakewood. Quarterback Sam Thomson was efficient, tossing three touchdowns to lead the bounce-back performance.

Palos Verdes, after a Week 0 stumble against Serra, has found its rhythm in a big way. The Sea Kings have outscored their opponents 77–12 in the last two weeks, paced by quarterback Ryan Rakowski’s 261 yards and three touchdowns on 12-of-17 passing against Carson.

JP’s Prediction: Edison squeaks by in a heavyweight battle, 28–24.

Redondo Union @ Huntington Beach

Friday, Sept. 12, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

In Huntington Beach, the Oilers host Redondo Union with the series tied at 1–1 and revenge on their minds after a 21–0 shutout loss a year ago.

Last week, everything clicked for the Oilers in a 48–7 rout of Western. Quarterback Brady Edmunds put on a show, throwing for 351 yards and five touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The defense forced five turnovers, including two fumble recoveries, proving that Huntington Beach is finding balance across all phases.

Redondo Union, meanwhile, is still hunting for its first win of 2025. The Sea Hawks were blanked 31–0 by Mira Costa last week despite a solid outing from quarterback Cole Leinart, who went 12-of-19 for 108 yards.

JP’s Prediction: Huntington Beach stays hot with a convincing 35–14 win.

Mira Costa @ La Habra

Friday, Sept. 12, 7 PM – La Habra HS

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

PREVIEW:

La Habra welcomes Mira Costa in a matchup of programs with plenty of offensive firepower.

Mira Costa is riding high after a 31–0 win over Redondo Union. Quarterback Liam Meeker was sharp, throwing for 242 yards and three touchdowns, with receiver Luke Meeker pulling in 101 yards and a score.

La Habra counters with its own playmakers. Quarterback DJ Mitchell threw for 206 yards last week, connecting with Blake Rogers for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Frank Mazzotta’s squad will need big plays through the air to keep pace with the Mustangs’ attack.

JP’s Prediction: Mira Costa edges La Habra in a shootout, 35–31.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #1 Mater Dei @ #6 Corona Centennial

Friday, Sept. 12, 7 PM – Husky Stadium

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW:

The spotlight is on Husky Stadium for a Division 1 semifinal rematch between national power Mater Dei and perennial contender Corona Centennial.

Mater Dei survived a thriller last week, holding off Kahuku (HI) 21–18. Quarterback Ryan Hopkins threw for 122 yards and a touchdown, while linebacker Shaun Scott anchored the defense with six tackles.

Centennial rebounded from its opening stumble with a strong win last week, fueled by quarterback Dominick Catalano’s 183 passing yards and two scores on just five completions. The Huskies will need both efficiency and explosiveness to topple the nation’s No. 1 team.

JP’s Prediction: Centennial delivers the upset in a defensive game, 24–21.

Upset Watch 👀

#15 Edison @ Palos Verdes: The Sea Kings have been rolling since their Week 0 loss and look like a dangerous team at home. If Ryan Rakowski gets hot again, Edison could be in for a dogfight.

Mira Costa @ La Habra: Both offenses are capable of lighting up the scoreboard. If La Habra’s DJ Mitchell and Blake Rogers can connect on a few big plays, the Highlanders could pull this one out at home.

#1 Mater Dei @ #6 Centennial: It’s rare to call it an “upset watch” when it involves two national powers, but Mater Dei is walking into a hostile road environment against a Centennial squad with nothing to lose. This game has all the makings of a mid-September shocker.