PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 4 Edition

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #3 Sierra Canyon @ #9 Orange Lutheran

Thursday, 9/18, 7 PM – LeBard Stadium (OCC)
Photographer: Joey Gray
Videographer: Tank Valenzuela
Reporter: Justin Lee

PREVIEW:
Week 4 opens with a marquee Top-10 matchup as #3 Sierra Canyon heads to Costa Mesa to face #9 Orange Lutheran in our JPWest Media Game of the Week.

The Trailblazers (4-0) continued their dominant run with a 49-7 win over Downey, led by QB Laird Finkel (159 yards, 2 TDs), WR De’Markus Barnes (117 yards, 2 TDs), and a ground game featuring Jaxsen Stokes (102 yards, 2 TDs) and Jerod Terry (81 yards, TD).

Orange Lutheran (3-1) impressed last week in a 35-14 win over Serra. QB Reagan Toki was nearly flawless (20-of-23, 227 yards, 2 TDs; plus a rushing TD), while WR Nicholas Bland (110 yards, TD) and Raiden Velasquez (66-yard reception) gave the Lancers plenty of explosive options.

Both teams bring balance on offense and defense, setting the stage for a clash that could swing on turnovers and red zone execution.

PREDICTION – JP’s Pick:
Orange Lutheran makes it back-to-back wins over Sierra Canyon with a 30-27 upset at home.

#14 Edison @ Fountain Valley

Friday, 9/19, 7 PM – LeBard Stadium (OCC)
Photographers: Richard Do / John Clingan
Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:
The Bell Game returns Friday night as Edison looks to continue its dominance over rival Fountain Valley. The Chargers (3-1) are fresh off a nail-biting 21-20 win over Palos Verdes, powered by QB Sam Thomson (184 yards, 2 TDs) and two-way threat Sam Edmisten (TD reception, TD pass).

Fountain Valley (1-3) comes in off a 24-9 loss to St. Margaret’s. The Barons will bring the energy of rivalry week, but Edison’s depth and firepower make them clear favorites to keep the Bell in Charger hands.

PREDICTION – JP’s Pick:
Edison rolls big, 56-3.

Mayfair @ Huntington Beach

Friday, 9/19, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field
Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:
The Oilers (3-1) return home after escaping with a 19-17 victory over Redondo Union. RB Nathan Villanueva (100 rushing yards) and QB Brady Edmunds (163 passing yards, rushing TD) paced the offense, while receivers Troy Foster, Dylin Bruce, and Steel Kurtz kept the passing game balanced. Defensively, Darby Warren (3 sacks) and Owen Bone (8 tackles) were difference-makers.

Mayfair (0-4) is still looking for its first win. The Monsoons will lean on their defense to hang around, but Huntington Beach’s weapons on both sides of the ball make them strong favorites.

PREDICTION – JP’s Pick:
The Oilers close out non-league play with a 31-7 win.

Granite Hills @ #7 Los Alamitos

Friday, 9/19, 7 PM – Los Alamitos
Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

PREVIEW:
Los Alamitos (5-0) aims to keep its perfect season alive Friday when Granite Hills comes to town. The Griffins have already proven themselves in close wins over Inglewood (20-12) and Kapolei (34-31), and showcased their explosiveness in victories over Serra (42-21) and St. Paul (48-14). QB Colin Creason leads a balanced offense alongside RBs Lenny Ibarra and Kamden Tillis, while the defense has delivered timely stops in big moments.

Granite Hills (3-1) enters with a physical style after wins over Oceanside, Mater Dei Catholic, and Perry before falling to Mission Hills. The Eagles’ toughness could pose challenges, but Los Al’s depth and versatility give them the upper hand.

PREDICTION – JP’s Pick:
Los Alamitos improves to 6-0 with a 35-24 victory.

Newport Harbor @ Colony

Friday, 9/19, 7 PM – Colony HS
Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:
Newport Harbor (1-3) looks to bounce back from a 38-35 shootout loss to Cajon. QB Jake Meer threw for 182 yards and 2 TDs while adding 30 rushing yards, with RB/WR Jonah Takamori contributing 134 total yards and 2 TDs. WR Ryan Palmer hauled in 2 scores, while on defense Glenn Baranoski (14 tackles) and Cruz Marsella (sack, defensive TD) stood out.

Colony (2-2) will try to control the pace and limit Newport Harbor’s offensive rhythm. The Sailors’ balance gives them the chance to break through, but they’ll need another strong defensive performance to do it on the road.

PREDICTION – JP’s Pick:
Newport Harbor stuns the Titans 28-24.

UPSET WATCH 🔥

• #3 Sierra Canyon @ #9 Orange Lutheran: Already circled as JP’s upset pick, the Lancers’ balance and passing efficiency give them the tools to topple an unbeaten Sierra Canyon.
• Granite Hills @ #7 Los Alamitos: The Griffins are favored, but Granite Hills’ physical style makes this a trap game as Los Al chases a 6-0 start.
• Newport Harbor @ Colony: The Titans have size and home-field advantage, but Newport Harbor’s offensive balance could flip the script.