PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS WEEK 8 EDITION

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #24 Edison @ #7 Los Alamitos

Thursday, October 16, 2025 – SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA)

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

PREVIEW:

Week 8 kicks off in grand fashion as the JPWest Media Game of the Week heads to SoFi Stadium for Thursday Night Football, where #7 Los Alamitos (7-0) takes on #24 Edison (5-2) in a marquee Alpha League showdown.

Los Alamitos has been rolling through the 2025 season, last seen dominating Calabasas 48-21 on September 26 before taking a rare double bye. Quarterback Colin Creason has led the Griffins’ high-powered offense with poise, distributing the ball to a deep cast of playmakers that’s kept Los Al unbeaten and among the Southern Section elite. The defense—anchored by speed, length, and discipline—has been just as dangerous, making this one of the region’s most complete teams.

Edison comes in off its own bye week after a gritty 21-10 road win at Summit on October 2. Quarterback Sam Thomson continues to command the Chargers’ offense with precision, while Edison’s disciplined defense remains a strength. To pull off the upset, the Chargers must slow Los Al’s tempo and win early at the line of scrimmage to limit explosive plays.

Under the bright lights of SoFi, this clash doubles as both an Alpha League statement and a postseason preview between two proud Orange County programs.

JP’s Pick: Los Alamitos 38, Edison 20

San Clemente @ #5 Mission Viejo

Friday, October 17, 2025 7PM– Diablo Stadium (Mission Viejo, CA)

Photographer: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The Alpha League spotlight turns to one of Orange County’s fiercest rivalries as #5 Mission Viejo (6-1) hosts San Clemente (4-3) in front of a packed house at Diablo Stadium.

Mission Viejo enters off a statement 56-7 win over Long Beach Poly, where QB Luke Fahey was nearly flawless—21 of 23 for 323 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Jack Junker exploded for 162 yards and two scores, and RB Davonte Curtis added 86 all-purpose yards and two TDs. Defensively, the Diablos forced three interceptions and a fumble recovery while holding Poly to a single score.

San Clemente counters with momentum of its own after a 39-14 road win at Coronado. Sophomore QB Preston Beck threw for 226 yards and a touchdown, while senior RB Carson Sloan rushed for 120 yards and two scores. Receiver Jaxson Rex added 61 yards and a TD, and the Triton defense—led by Jack Weller and Declan Sawyers—tightened up with nine combined tackles and two TFLs.

Both teams bring physical fronts and poise under center, but Mission Viejo’s depth and defensive speed should again be the separator in Alpha League play.

JP’s Pick: Mission Viejo 49, San Clemente 21

#14 San Juan Hills @ Newport Harbor

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Davidson Field (Newport Beach, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Week 8 continues with a pivotal Bravo League matchup as #14 San Juan Hills (5-2) travels to Newport Harbor (2-5) under the lights at Davidson Field.

San Juan Hills turned in one of its most complete games of the year last week—a 41-17 win over Yorba Linda that showcased balance and efficiency. QB Timmy Herr completed 17 of 24 for 200 yards and a TD while adding 53 yards and two scores on the ground. RB Elijah Ayala and receivers Luke Frith, Ryan Matheson, and Dean Kolasinski all made impact plays, while the defense—led by Roman Paseka and Bryan Lujano—stifled Yorba Linda up front.

Newport Harbor fell 21-6 in last week’s Battle of the Bay to undefeated Corona del Mar. QB Jordan Spigarelli threw for 160 yards, with Shane McKibbin (7 rec, 83 yds) as his top target. Defensively, Glenn Baranoski racked up 12 tackles and a sack, and Owen Baldikowski added another.

For Newport to stay close, its offense must finish drives and limit turnovers. Expect San Juan Hills’ dual-threat QB and active defensive front to set the tone early.

JP’s Pick: San Juan Hills 35, Newport Harbor 17

Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) @ #2 Sierra Canyon

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Sierra Canyon School (Chatsworth, CA)

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW:

Friday night’s Mission League spotlight shines in Chatsworth, where #2 Sierra Canyon (7-0) looks to stay unbeaten against Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) (4-3).

Sierra Canyon continued its dominance last week with a 45-14 win over Chaminade. QB Laird Finkel threw for 214 yards and two TDs to Drew Barnes (5 rec, 109 yds). On defense, Mikhal Johnson and RomenZamorano combined for 17 tackles and 5.5 TFLs as the Trailblazers posted six sacks overall.

Notre Dame fell 36-29 to Bishop Amat but showed fight. QB Wyatt Brown threw for 173 yards and two TDs to Luc Weaver (106 yds), adding 70 rushing yards and a score himself. LB Wyatt Mason and DE Richard Dunn anchored a front that will need its best effort to contain Sierra Canyon’s attack.

The Trailblazers’ depth, pressure packages, and scoring efficiency make them a heavy favorite as they continue their march toward the Mission League title.

JP’s Pick: Sierra Canyon 42, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) 7

Foothill @ #25 Huntington Beach

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Cap Sheue Field (Huntington Beach, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

The Epsilon League spotlight shifts to the coast as #25 Huntington Beach (6-1) welcomes Foothill (2-5) to Cap Sheue Field riding its best start since 2011 and a five-game winning streak.

Huntington Beach escaped La Habra 35-30 last week to move to 2-0 in league play. QB Brady Edmunds was brilliant again (18/21, 250 yds, 3 TD), and Steel Kurtz added a 50-yard touchdown pass and another through the air. Receivers Troy Foster (11 rec, 143 yds, 2 TDs) and Dylin Bruce (5 rec, 138 yds, 2 TDs) continued their dominant run. Defensively, Jimmel Champion and Logan Gray led a physical front that produced timely stops to seal the win.

Foothill comes off a 24-21 victory over Laguna Hills. RB Aidan Faraj powered the offense (31 car, 170 yds, 2 TDs) while QB Jake Lind added 160 yards and a score through the air. Defensively, Tavin Russell and Matt Claytor-Johnson combined for 13 tackles and three sacks to preserve the win.

Expect the Oilers’ aerial attack to pressure Foothill early, while the Knights look to control tempo behind Faraj’s ground game.

JP’s Pick: Huntington Beach 56, Foothill 14

La Habra @ #18 Crean Lutheran

Friday, October 17, 2025 – Crean Lutheran HS (Irvine, CA)

Photographer: Bailey Sanchez

PREVIEW:

Epsilon League action continues in Irvine as La Habra (3-4) travels to face #18 Crean Lutheran (7-0) in a crucial midseason matchup.

La Habra looks to regroup after a 35-30 loss to Huntington Beach. QB DJ Mitchell (18/32, 226 yds, 2 TD) was efficient once again, finding Bryce Vasquez (8 rec, 90 yds, TD) and Blake Ramos (5 rec, 82 yds, TD) through the air. RB Kevika Mata’utia-Martinez added 85 rushing yards on 16 carries, and Bobby Brooks chipped in a touchdown. Defensively, Barrett Blied, Santi Bautista, and Luke Hedgpeth led the charge up front.

Crean Lutheran remains unbeaten after a 50-7 rout of El Dorado. QB Caden Jones was surgical (25/37, 211 yds, 5 TD), connecting with Dillion Booth, Ty Johnson, and Bryce Coleman for scores. The Saints’ defense continued its dominant form behind Javari Nash and Nathan Collins, who each recorded interceptions, while Mateo Munoz added four tackles and a sack.

La Habra will look to control the clock and pressure Jones, but Crean’s balance and defensive discipline make the Saints a formidable favorite to stay perfect in the Epsilon League.

JP’s Pick: Crean Lutheran 42, La Habra 28