PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 7 Edition

Loyola @ #14 Serra

Thursday, October 9, 2025 – SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW: Week 7 in the CIF Southern Section kicks off at SoFi Stadium as Loyola (3-3) takes on Serra (4-2) in a Mission League matchup under the bright lights. Serra looks to rebound after a tough 30-0 loss to No. 2 Sierra Canyon and will rely on quarterback Nicolas Johnson to get the offense back in rhythm. The Cavaliers’ defense, one of the most athletic in the league, will look to reset after being tested by one of the state’s top programs.

Loyola comes in after a 35-10 loss to Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks), but there were positives on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Gavin Grabe threw for 148 yards and a touchdown, while Kane Casani continued to be the team’s heart and soul with 83 rushing yards, 11 tackles, and a sack. Loyola’s defensive front has been solid all season and will need to generate pressure to slow Serra’s athletic playmakers.

Both teams enter hungry for a bounce-back win in league play. Expect a physical, hard-hitting matchup early in the SoFi doubleheader where line play and turnovers will decide the tone.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Pick: Serra bounces back in a 38- 7 victory over the Cubs

Palos Verdes @ #13 Leuzinger

Thursday, October 9, 2025 – SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW: The second game of Thursday night’s doubleheader at SoFi features an explosive Bay League clash between Palos Verdes (4-2) and Leuzinger (4-1). Both teams come in with high-powered offenses and plenty of confidence as they chase key league positioning under the bright lights.

Leuzinger is coming off a 43-32 win over Inglewood behind a breakout performance from sophomore quarterback Russell Sekona, who went 14-of-17 for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back Journee Tonga was dominant, totaling 212 all-purpose yards and 3 scores, while Mason Miller added 130 receiving yards. The Olympians have the speed and balance to score in bunches from anywhere on the field.

Palos Verdes enters after a 48-7 rout of Culver City, led by quarterback Ryan Rakowski (304 yards, 4 TD) and wideout Morley Boyd (200 yards, 2 TD). The Sea Kings’ efficient passing attack has made them one of the toughest teams to defend in the Bay League. Expect this one to come down to whichever defense can make one or two key stops late.

PREDICTION:

JP’s Pick: Rakowski and Palos Verdes get the upset late over Leuzinger in a close 35-31 thriller

Huntington Beach @ La Habra

Friday, October 10, 2025 – La Habra HS (La Habra, CA)

Photographers: Jeremy Westerbeck/Bailey Sanchez

Videographer: Tank Valenzuela

PREVIEW: Epsilon League play continues with one of the most intriguing matchups of the week as Huntington Beach (5-1) travels to face La Habra (5-1). Both teams have been rolling offensively and enter with confidence after dominant wins last week.

The Oilers are coming off a 65-10 homecoming rout of Laguna Hills, their highest scoring game since 2005. Quarterback Brady Edmunds was nearly perfect, completing 22-of-24 passes for 381 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Troy Foster exploded for 245 receiving yards and 5 scores. On defense, Steel Kurtz and Gavin Seguin led the way as Huntington Beach put together a complete performance.

La Habra has been equally dominant, winning five straight following a 42-3 victory over El Dorado. Quarterback DJ Mitchell threw for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns, with Bryce Vasquez (159 yards, 2 TD) leading the receiving corps. Both teams can score quickly, making this matchup one of the top offensive showcases in Southern California this week.

PREDICTIONS:

JP’s pick: Oilers get a big upset victory in a close offensive battle 35-28

#6 Santa Margarita @ #4 Mater Dei

Friday, 10/10, 7 PM – Santa Ana Bowl (Santa Ana)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW: The Trinity League spotlight shines bright in Santa Ana as #6 Santa Margarita (4-2) visits #4 Mater Dei (4-1). Both teams are coming off statement wins and feature two of the best defensive units in the section.

Mater Dei started off Trinity League play with a 25-10 win over Orange Lutheran. Quarterback Ryan Hopkins threw for 202 yards and a touchdown, while linebacker Dailon Clanton led the defense with 10 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. The Monarchs’ front seven remains among the most disciplined in the state.

Santa Margarita enters fresh off a 17-7 victory over Servite. Quarterback Trace Johnson threw for 211 yards and a touchdown, while running back Jaion  Smith added 89 rushing yards. Expect a close, physical matchup in the trenches between two elite defenses where field position and turnovers could make all the difference.

PREDICTIONS:

JP’s pick: It’s gonna be a close one all night long, Mater Dei’s defense gets it done however with a 14-10 victory

#11 Yorba Linda @ #19 San Juan Hills

Friday, 10/10, 7 PM – San Juan Hills HS (San Juan Capistrano)

Photographer: Richard Do

Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW: A key Bravo League matchup takes place in South County as Yorba Linda (5-1) travels to San Juan Hills (4-2) in a game with major playoff implications. Both teams are physical, balanced, and built for deep postseason runs.

Yorba Linda dominated Villa Park 28-7 last week behind quarterback Noah Trujillo (133 pass, 68 rush yards) and running back Aiden Gutierrez, who added 67 yards and a touchdown. The Mustangs’ defense, led by Vaughn Sharp and Isaiah Trujillo, was dominant, holding Villa Park to one score while forcing multiple turnovers.

San Juan Hills is looking to bounce back after a 33-10 loss to Corona del Mar, where quarterback Timmy Herr threw for 141 yards and rushed for 93 with a touchdown. With both teams eyeing the top of the Bravo League standings, expect a hard-hitting, playoff-style contest in San Juan Capistrano.

PREDICTIONS: 

JP’s pick: Stallions bounce back in a close one 38-24

Paraclete @ St. Pius X St. Matthias Academy

Friday, 10/10, 7 PM – St. Pius X St. Matthias HS (Downey)

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW: The Angelus League features one of its best showdowns of the year as Paraclete (5-1) travels to St. Pius X–St. Matthias (3-3). Both offenses have been explosive, with playmakers capable of taking over a game.

Paraclete rolled Bishop Alemany 49-6 last week, led by quarterback Joseph Mesa (230 yards, 5 TD) and wideout Adrian Jones (159 yards, 4 TD). The Spirits’ defense also delivered, forcing four interceptions and recording four sacks in a dominant all-around effort.

St. Pius x St Matthias Academy enters off a 42-15 win over St. Francis, led by senior quarterback Jassi Williams (371 yards, 2 TD) and receiver Jaylen Stokes (131 yards, TD). Expect a fast-paced, high-energy battle in Downey between two of the Angelus League’s top contenders.

JP’s pick: Paraclete wins in a close one in this Angelus League Matchup 35-31

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #16 Corona del Mar vs. Newport Harbor

Saturday, 10/11, 7:30 PM – LeBard Stadium (OCC)

Photographers: Jeremy Westerbeck & Joey Gray

Videographer: Tank Valenzuela

PREVIEW: Week 7 wraps up in Costa Mesa with the Battle of the Bay, a rivalry that always delivers. This year’s clash doubles as a Bravo League showdown as #16 Corona del Mar (6-0) takes on Newport Harbor (2-4) on Saturday night under the lights at LeBard Stadium.

Corona del Mar enters unbeaten after handling San Juan Hills 33-10. Senior quarterback Brady Annett was outstanding, completing 18 of 22 passes for 274 yards and four touchdowns. His go-to targets — JJ Haley (5 receptions, 110 yards, TD), Garrett James (4 receptions, 84 yards, 2 TDs), and Dorsett Stecker (8 receptions, 81 yards, TD) — led a balanced aerial attack that continues to look unstoppable. On defense, senior Cash Pearsall totaled eight tackles and an interception, while DylanNichols and Scott Anderson combined for 1.5 sacks to help the Sea Kings stay perfect.

Newport Harbor comes in hungry after a heartbreaking 17-14 loss at Tesoro. Quarterback Jake Meer threw for 148 yards and a touchdown, while adding 62 yards on the ground. Senior running back Jonah Takamori rushed for 49 yards and caught three passes, while Shane McKibbin provided a spark with a 48-yard reception. Defensively, linebacker Glenn Baranoski and defensive back Ethan Ambat each tallied 14 tackles, while Owen Baldikowski and Cruz Marsella combined for two sacks.

Corona del Mar has won eight of the last ten meetings in this rivalry, but Newport Harbor has taken the last two — adding even more fire to one of Orange County’s premier matchups. Expect a packed house and playoff-type energy in Costa Mesa as both teams battle for bragging rights and Bravo League positioning.

PREDICTIONS:

JP’s pick: Sea Kings return the trophy back to Corona Del Mar in a 42-28 victory

UPSET WATCH👀

Huntington Beach @ La Habra – The Oilers have been one of the surprise teams of the year and are coming off their best offensive performance in nearly two decades after dropping 65 points on Laguna Hills. Quarterback Brady Edmunds and receiver Troy Foster have formed one of the most dangerous QB-WR duos in the Southern Section, and if they continue that pace against a strong La Habra defense, the Oilers could pull off another statement win. Don’t be shocked if Huntington Beach walks out of the Epsilon League opener on top.

Palos Verdes @ #13 Leuzinger – The Sea Kings are flying under the radar, but quarterback Ryan Rakowski and wideout Morley Boyd have been lighting up defenses in recent weeks. Their chemistry through the air gives Palos Verdes the balance to challenge Leuzinger’s speed on both sides of the ball. If the Sea Kings can control tempo and force the Olympians into long drives, this Bay League matchup could tilt their way late under the SoFi lights.

#6 Santa Margarita @ #4 Mater Dei – The Monarchs remain the favorite, but Santa Margarita has quietly built one of the most complete defenses in the Trinity League. Quarterback Trace Johnson and running back Jaion Smith provide enough offensive punch to make this a four-quarter battle. If the Eagles can pressure Ryan Hopkins and limit Mater Dei’s explosive plays early, they have the pieces to make this one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Bonus Watch – Yorba Linda @ San Juan Hills: Don’t count out Yorba Linda. The Mustangs’ defense has been dominant, and quarterback Noah Trujillo brings dual-threat versatility that can frustrate the Stallions. If they force a couple of turnovers, this Bravo League matchup could end in another surprise shakeup in South County.