PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 9 Edition

Western @ #22 Tustin

Thursday, October 23 – Tustin HS (Tustin, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Week 9 of CIF Southern Section football kicks off Thursday night in Tustin as the surging Western Pioneers (5-3) travel to face the red-hot #22 Tustin Tillers (7-1) in a key Delta League showdown under the lights.

The Tillers enter riding a dominant 51-7 win over El Modena last week, their seventh straight victory after dropping their opener. Sophomore quarterback Ayden Edwards was nearly flawless—completing 15 of 18 passes for 298 yards and 4 touchdowns—while junior receiver Jeremiah Salvant exploded for 108 yards and 2 scores. The Tustin defense also flexed its muscle, forcing multiple turnovers and totaling 12 tackles for loss and 13 QB pressures, led by Jeremiah Williams (6 tackles, 5 TFLs) and Taven Epps (5 tackles, sack).

Western, meanwhile, comes off a thrilling 34-27 win over Cypress to improve to 2-0 in league play. Junior quarterback Chance Thomas threw for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for another, with big plays coming from Ayden Payne (80-yard TD catch) and Rufus Dogbah (98 all-purpose yards, INT and fumble recovery). The Pioneers’ opportunistic defense continues to be their backbone—recording 2 interceptions, 2 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown last week.

Expect an electric matchup between Western’s playmaking secondary and Tustin’s balanced, high-efficiency offense.

JP’s Prediction: Tustin 45, Western 28

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #24 Huntington Beach @ #17 Crean Lutheran

Friday, October 24 – Saints Stadium (Crean Lutheran HS, Irvine, CA)

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Reporter: Aramis Rivera

Live on Spectrum News 1

PREVIEW:

The spotlight shifts to Irvine on Friday night for the JPWest Media Game of the Week, as #24 Huntington Beach (7–1) travels to Saints Stadium to battle unbeaten #17 Crean Lutheran (8–0) with the Epsilon League title at stake.

Huntington Beach, winners of five straight, grinded out a 21–14 victory over Foothill last week. Junior quarterback Brady Edmunds went 16-of-26 for 219 yards and 2 touchdowns, both to senior wideout Troy Foster (6 receptions, 117 yards). The Oilers defense once again proved disruptive, racking up 5 sacks — including 2.5 from Gavin Seguin and one each from Maxson Borgquist and Felipe Gonzalez — while Jimmel Champion and Steel Kurtz each added key tackles in the secondary.

Crean Lutheran, meanwhile, continues to look every bit the part of a CIF contender. The Saints dismantled La Habra 56–21 behind a near-perfect showing from junior quarterback Caden Jones, who completed 19-of-22 passes for 322 yards and 5 touchdowns. Senior receiver Bryce Coleman led all targets with 129 yards and 2 scores, while Ty Johnson added 115 yards, 2 TDs, and an interception return for another score. Defensively, the Saints applied relentless pressure — posting 5 sacks and 18 QB hurries, led by Allitoh Nansen (2.5 sacks) and Ryder Barnes (1 sack, 6 tackles).

With the Epsilon League championship and playoff positioning on the line, Friday night’s showdown at Saints Stadium promises fireworks between two of Orange County’s most balanced and explosive programs.

JP’s Prediction: Crean Lutheran 38, Huntington Beach 31

#16 Yorba Linda @ Newport Harbor

Friday, October 24 – Davidson Field (Newport Beach, CA)

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Week 9 action continues under the coastal lights at Davidson Field as the #16 Yorba Linda Mustangs (6–2) travel to face the Newport Harbor Sailors (2–6) in a Bravo league game between two proud Orange County programs.

The Mustangs are rolling after a dominant 42–14 win over Tesoro. Quarterback Noah Trujillo was sharp through the air, completing 7-of-10 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing score. Yorba Linda’s ground attack continued to thrive behind Aiden Gutierrez (39 yards, TD) and Clark Smolskis (46 yards, TD), while Troy Roberts was explosive on the outside, catching 4 passes for 81 yards and a touchdown. The Mustang defense remained stout — holding Tesoro to under 150 rushing yards and getting 2 sacks from Blake Thorp and Brandon Nagel.

Newport Harbor, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back after falling to San Juan Hills 47–10. Quarterback Jordan Spigarelli went 21-of-30 for 142 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Ty Ditteaux on a 24-yard scoring strike. Senior linebacker Glenn Baranoski led the Sailor defense with 11 tackles and 2 quarterback hurries, while Ethan Ambat added 10 tackles and Jackson Stremick contributed 2 sacks in a strong all-around effort.

Yorba Linda’s balance on both sides of the ball makes them one of the most complete teams in the division, while Newport Harbor will lean on home-field energy and defensive discipline to slow down the Mustang offense.

JP’s Prediction: Yorba Linda 38, Newport Harbor 17

#7 Los Alamitos @ San Clemente

Friday, October 24 – Thalassa Stadium (San Clemente, CA)

Photographer: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The #7 Los Alamitos Griffins (8–0) hit the road Friday night to face San Clemente (4–4) in a crucial Alpha League matchup under the lights at Thalassa Stadium.

Los Alamitos continues to roll through the 2025 season, fresh off a 41–22 win over Edison at SoFi Stadium in the JPWest Media Game of the Week. Quarterback Colin Creason has elevated the Griffins’ offense to elite levels, spreading the ball efficiently while leading a balanced attack. Running back Lenny Ibarra continues to dominate on the ground, using his blend of vision and acceleration to keep defenses off balance. The Griffins’ defense, anchored by an athletic front seven and opportunistic secondary, has proven capable of stifling any opponent.

San Clemente enters looking to rebound after a 34–16 defeat to Mission Viejo. Quarterbacks Eiler King and Preston Beck combined for 215 passing yards and two touchdowns, with Jaxson Rex (4 rec, 75 yds, TD) and Shane Kiley (5 rec, 54 yds, TD) pacing the receiving corps. On defense, senior linebacker Patrick Norman posted a team-high 12 tackles while Damian Martinez added 8 stops and a fumble recovery. The Tritons will look to lean on their physical defense and home-field advantage to slow down the Griffins’ explosive tempo.

Los Alamitos will look to remain unbeaten and secure firm control atop the Alpha League, while San Clemente hopes to play spoiler in front of their home fans.

JP’s Prediction: Los Alamitos 42, San Clemente 20

#5 Mission Viejo @ #25 Edison

Friday, October 24 – Cap Sheue Field (Huntington Beach, CA)

Photographer: John Clingan

PREVIEW:

The #5 Mission Viejo Diablos (7–1) travel north to Huntington Beach for an Alpha League showdown with the #25 Edison Chargers (5–3) at Cap Sheue Field.

Mission Viejo enters off a 34–16 win over San Clemente, led by senior quarterback Luke Fahey, who went 23-of-31 for 378 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore standout KJ Woodbury Jr. was dominant through the air with 151 yards and a 66-yard touchdown, while Jack Junker added 109 yards receiving. Running back Davonte Curtis found the end zone twice on the ground, and defensive lineman Jayden Hill anchored the Diablo defense with 12 tackles and 3.5 TFLs.

Edison looks to bounce back after a 41–22 loss to Los Alamitos at SoFi Stadium. Junior quarterback Sam Thomson threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Matthew Auau (10 rec, 114 yds) and Brennan Vares (6 rec, 56 yds). Despite the defeat, the Chargers showed offensive balance and toughness against one of the section’s top-ranked defenses.

The Diablos will aim to keep pressure on Los Alamitos for the Alpha League crown, while Edison seeks a season-defining win to strengthen its CIF playoff resume. Expect a physical contest between two of Orange County’s most respected programs.

JP’s Prediction: Mission Viejo 38, Edison 24

#8 Servite @ #1 St. John Bosco

Friday, October 24 – Panish Family Stadium (Bellflower, CA)

Photographer: Tajuan Netterville

PREVIEW:

The Trinity League spotlight shifts to Bellflower as the #1 St. John Bosco Braves (8–0) host the #8 Servite Friars (5–3) at Panish Family Stadium.

Bosco continued its perfect season with a 27–14 win over Santa Margarita last week, maintaining firm control of the Trinity League. Quarterback Koa Malau’ulu has been steady in guiding a balanced Braves offense, spreading the ball to multiple playmakers while letting Bosco’s physical line control tempo. The defense, led by a relentless front and lockdown secondary, continues to set the tone—allowing just 12.3 points per game through eight contests.

Servite comes in after battling Mater Dei tough in a 29–19 defeat at the Bowl. Junior quarterback Kale Murphy threw for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns on 25 completions, connecting with Benjamin Harris (8 rec, 57 yds), Judah Clark (3 rec, 19 yds, 2 TDs), and Mataua Niumata (2 rec, 15 yds, TD). Defensively, linebacker Isaiah Leilua led the Friars with 8 tackles and 3 TFLs, while sophomore Kaleb Aiava recorded a sack. The Friars’ physicality was on display, but discipline and red-zone execution remain key against the nation’s top-ranked team.

Servite will need another efficient passing effort from Murphy and strong defensive play from its front seven to slow down the Braves’ multifaceted attack. For Bosco, it’s about continuing dominance and building momentum toward another CIF-SS Division 1 playoff run.

JP’s Prediction: St. John Bosco 35, Servite 17

UPSET WATCH: 

1. Western over #22 Tustin

The Pioneers have the playmakers to test the Tillers’ secondary. If Chance Thomas keeps his composure and Western’s defense can limit Ayden Edwards’ deep-ball rhythm, this Delta League clash could come down to the fourth quarter.

Upset Potential: ★★★☆☆

2. #24 Huntington Beach over #17 Crean Lutheran

The Oilers’ defense has been peaking, and Brady Edmunds’ connection with Troy Foster gives them an explosive edge. If HB can generate turnovers early and control tempo, they could stun the unbeaten Saints and snatch the Epsilon League crown.

Upset Potential: ★★★★☆

3. San Clemente over #7 Los Alamitos

The Tritons have played everyone tough at Thalassa Stadium and boast one of the region’s most physical defenses. If they can frustrate Colin Creason and slow the Griffins’ quick strike offense, this could be the upset of the year in the Alpha League.

Upset Potential: ★★☆☆☆

4. #25 Edison over #5 Mission Viejo

The Chargers’ passing attack can keep them in any game, especially at home under the lights. If Sam Thomson gets hot early and the defense forces a few takeaways, Edison could flip the Alpha League race upside down.

Upset Potential: ★★★☆☆

5. Servite over #1 St. John Bosco

The Friars proved last week they can go toe-to-toe with elite competition. With Kale Murphy’s poise and a defense that loves to pressure the quarterback, Servite could hang around longer than expected if they win the turnover battle.

Upset Potential: ★★☆☆☆