PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS WEEK 5 EDITION

Inglewood @ Midland (TX)

Thursday, 9/25, 7 PM CT – Astound Broadband Stadium (Texas)
Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:
Week 5 kicks off with JPWest Media on the road in Texas as the Inglewood Sentinels (1-3) travel to face the Midland Bulldogs (1-3) in a Thursday night matchup.

Inglewood last caught our eye back in Week 0 against Los Alamitos, where sophomore quarterback Lincoln Jahn threw for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns to senior wideout Donovin Randolph (112 yards, 2 TDs), while Samaj Welch gashed Los Al’s defense for 127 rushing yards on 14 carries. Despite showing flashes of explosiveness, the Sentinels dropped a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Downey last week and are eager to bounce back.

Midland enters with momentum after erupting for 70 points in a 70-35 rout of Montwood, fueled by a 28-point third quarter. That breakout win marked a shift in confidence for the Bulldogs, who had struggled early but now return home riding a wave of momentum.

Both teams sit at 1-3, but with contrasting trajectories. Can Inglewood’s stars deliver against a surging Midland squad, or will the Bulldogs keep their fireworks rolling?

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Inglewood grinds out a road upset, 25-18.

Cajon @ Permian (TX)

Friday, 9/26, 7 PM CT – Ratliff Stadium
Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:
JPWest Media’s Texas swing continues Friday as the Cajon Cowboys (2-3) head into legendary Ratliff Stadium to take on the Permian Panthers (3-1).

Cajon’s offense is headlined by freshman sensation Marcus Washington, who threw for 267 yards and 4 touchdowns in a win over Newport Harbor, connecting repeatedly with Landon White (176 yards, 2 TDs). On the ground, Maleek Nolley adds balance, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown in that same game. The Cowboys, however, stumbled in a 23-13 loss last week and are looking for a rebound performance.

Permian counters with a balanced attack after edging Tascosa 23-21. Quarterback Jakob Garcia managed the game with 138 passing yards, while Gavin Black powered the offense with 103 rushing yards and a receiving score. Wideout Aaron Navarette showed playmaking ability with 89 yards and 2 TDs, making him a threat to break open this matchup.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Cajon sneaks out a 28-21 thriller.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #25 Corona Del Mar @ Trabuco Hills

Friday, 9/26, 7 PM – Trabuco Hills HS
Photographers: Richard Do, Jeremy Westerbeck
Videographer: Tank Valenzuela
Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:
Back in Southern California, JPWest Media spotlights a Top-25 showdown as #25 Corona Del Mar (4-0) travels to face the surging Trabuco Hills Mustangs (3-1).

Trabuco Hills rides in hot after a 43-36 shootout win over Brea Olinda, where freshman QB Jackson Verplancke put on a show with 296 yards and 6 TDs on 23-of-28 passing. His targets — Nate Davis (85 yards), Micah Bowen (85 yards, TD), and J. Fitch (67 yards, 2 TDs) — provide plenty of firepower. The Mustangs also have the option of veteran QB Tristan Zale, who led a comeback win over Huntington Beach earlier this year.

Corona Del Mar stayed unbeaten with a 28-21 win over Charter Oak, led by senior QB Brady Annett (210 yards, 3 TDs). His weapons include Garrett James (100 yards, TD) and JJ Haley (84 yards, TD), with Chase Kuchera providing balance on the ground and through the air. Earlier this season, Annett torched Rancho Verde with 5 first-half TDs, showing the ceiling of this Sea Kings attack.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Corona Del Mar rolls into Bravo League play 5-0 with a 35-21 victory.

#14 Edison @ La Serna

Friday, 9/26, 7 PM – California HS (Whittier)
Photographer: John Clingan

PREVIEW:
The #14 Edison Chargers (3-1) take their three-game winning streak on the road to face the La Serna Lancers (2-3).

Led by quarterback Sam Thomson, the Chargers have found rhythm offensively with a balanced attack and a defense that has stiffened week by week. Edison’s ability to control tempo on both sides of the ball has fueled their rise back into the Top 15.

La Serna comes off a tough 38-14 loss to Crean Lutheran. QB G. Long threw for 77 yards and a touchdown, while RB E. Huerta added 87 yards and a score on the ground. WR L. Armenta chipped in with 97 all-purpose yards, but the Lancers struggled to find consistency. Against a sharp Edison squad, execution will be critical.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Edison earns a 4th straight win, 35-17.

Bishop Gorman @ #4 Santa Margarita

Saturday, 9/27, 7 PM – Tesoro HS
Photographer: Richard Do
Videographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW:
Saturday night features one of the nation’s biggest showdowns as the #4 Santa Margarita Eagles (3-1) host the Bishop Gorman Gaels (4-1).

Santa Margarita looked dominant in a 44-14 rout of Oaks Christian. Senior QB Trace Johnson was sharp with 253 yards and 3 TDs, while RB Jaion Smith exploded for 122 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns. WRs Grant Mosley (92 yards, TD) and Ryan Clark (59 yards, TD) round out a balanced and lethal offense.

Defensively, the Eagles fly around the field. Ivrick Carrigan grabbed a pick, while Dash Fifita, Tonga Uhila, Leki Holani, and Isaia Vandermade combined for 2 sacks, 1 INT, and a fumble recovery last week.

Bishop Gorman nearly stunned Mater Dei before falling 27-24. QB Maika Eugenio threw for 295 yards and 3 total TDs, with WR Massiah Mingo (133 yards) leading the way. Kaina Watson (78 yards, TD) and DaMari Hall (52 yards, TD) give Gorman additional explosive options. On defense, Tamatoa Gaoteote racked up 16 tackles and 1 sack, while DB Jett Washington added an interception.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Santa Margarita protects home turf, 34-27.

🔥 UPSET WATCH

• Corona Del Mar @ Trabuco Hills – The Sea Kings are favored, but Trabuco’s freshman QB Jackson Verplancke is red hot. If he keeps slinging, the Mustangs could turn this into a shootout upset.
• Inglewood @ Midland – Midland just dropped 70, but Inglewood’s trio of Jahn, Welch, and Randolph have the tools to flip the momentum in Texas.
• Bishop Gorman @ Santa Margarita – Santa Margarita is the favorite at home, but Eugenio and Mingo have the firepower to make this a four-quarter thriller.