PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS WEEK 9 EDITION

Week 9 delivers a loaded slate across the CIF Southern Section, with league titles on the line, ranked showdowns, and JPWest Media’s Game of the Week under the lights. From Cap Sheue Field to Saddleback College, the local stage is set.

Brea Olinda (5-3) @ Newport Harbor (6-2)

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 PM – Davidson Field (Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach)
Photographer: Joey Gray
Reporter: Justin Lee

PREVIEW:
Newport Harbor (6-2) rides a high after a 56-7 demolition of Aliso Niguel. Senior quarterback Jordan Spigarelli was surgical, going 17-of-19 for 335 yards and 6 touchdowns. Senior wideout Ryan Palmer hauled in 4 catches for 140 yards and 3 scores, while junior Parker Stringham added 5 receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. The Sailors’ balanced attack, with contributions from juniors Pepe Tena and Ethan Ekedal on the ground, looks ready for a home date.

Brea Olinda (5-3) dropped a tight 20-15 decision to Foothill. Senior quarterback G. Nicholson accounted for 264 total yards (187 passing, 77 rushing) and a score, while senior running back N. Davis led the ground game with 94 yards. Sophomore receiver T. Kim provided the big-play spark with a 58-yard touchdown reception. The Wildcats will need that dual-threat balance to hang with Harbor’s hot offense at Davidson Field.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Newport Harbor’s aerial attack stays clicking for a 35-21 home win.

Troy (4-4) @ #16 Huntington Beach (8-0)

Thursday, Oct. 22, 7 PM – Cap Sheue Field (Huntington Beach High School, Huntington Beach)
Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:
Undefeated Huntington Beach (8-0) can clinch at least a share of the Delta League title for the first time since 1993 with a win. The Oilers rolled past Western 34-14 behind senior quarterback Brady Edmunds (12-of-17, 182 yards, 3 TDs). Senior receiver Skylar Robinson caught 5 passes for 114 yards and 2 scores, while senior defensive back Dylin Bruce returned an interception 66 yards for a touchdown. Coach Matthew Hatchette’s squad has thrived in close contests all season and hosts Senior Night.

Troy (4-4) fell 34-13 to El Modena. Quarterback M. Mays struggled through the air (13-of-24, 115 yards) but the Warriors found the end zone twice on the ground. Huntington Beach’s defense and home-field edge at Cap Sheue Field make this a steep climb for the visitors.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Oilers clinch the share and stay perfect, 31-14.

#9 JSerra (4-4) @ #1 Santa Margarita (8-0)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM – Saddleback College
Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:
No. 1 Santa Margarita (8-0) can clinch at least a share of the Trinity League title. The Eagles handled St. John Bosco 21-7, with junior quarterback F. Palmer completing 12-of-21 for 167 yards and a touchdown. Junior wideout G. Mosley added 5 catches for 76 yards and a score, while sophomore A. Petero ran for 51 yards and a touchdown. The defense forced key stops, including an interception.

JSerra (4-4) was routed 48-13 by Orange Lutheran. Senior running back W. Fredericksen was the bright spot with 17 carries for 158 yards and a score, but the Lions’ passing game was limited. Santa Margarita’s balance and league positioning give the Eagles the edge in this Friday night showdown.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Santa Margarita controls the tempo and clinches the share, 28-17.

Edison (3-5) @ Yorba Linda (0-8)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM – Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium (Yorba Linda High School, Yorba Linda)
Photographer: John Clingan

PREVIEW:
Edison (3-5) bounced back with a 27-7 win over Los Alamitos. The Chargers’ offense has shown flashes, and a road trip against winless Yorba Linda (0-8) offers a chance to build momentum. Yorba Linda has struggled all season, most recently falling 14-10 to San Juan Hills.

Nathan Shapell Memorial Stadium provides a neutral-feeling setting for the Mustangs, but Edison’s recent form and overall talent edge should decide this one.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Edison pulls away for a 28-10 victory.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: #17 Crean Lutheran (6-2) @ #19 Corona Del Mar (7-1)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM – Davidson Field (Newport Beach)
Photographer: Joey Gray
Reporter: Colin Costigan

PREVIEW:
Corona Del Mar (7-1) dropped a 21-17 decision to Capistrano Valley, ending its undefeated run. Junior N. Scott scored both Sea Kings touchdowns (one rush, one reception). Junior quarterback J. David Annett managed the offense, while junior T. Nixon led the ground game with 18 carries for 89 yards. The defense forced turnovers and sacks, and the Sea Kings remain dangerous at Davidson Field.

Crean Lutheran (6-2) edged La Habra 35-28 and can clinch at least a share of the Bravo League with a win. The Saints have been consistent and bring a balanced attack into this ranked matchup. Both teams are battle-tested, making this the night’s premier local clash under the lights.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Corona Del Mar’s home environment and big-play ability carry the day, 24-21.

#3 St. John Bosco (6-2) @ #10 Servite (3-5)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM – LeBard Stadium (Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa)
Photographer: Edgar Puentes

PREVIEW:
St. John Bosco (6-2) lost 21-7 to Santa Margarita but remains one of the section’s most talented rosters. Junior quarterback Koa Malau’ulu has been a multi-year starter who distributes to playmakers like senior running back Maliq Allen and sophomore receiver Kuika Moaalii. The Braves’ defense features size and athleticism up front and in the secondary.

Servite (2-5) fell 38-15 to Mater Dei. The Friars will lean on home-field energy at LeBard Stadium, but Bosco’s talent and recent form make them the clear favorite in this Trinity League game.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Bosco’s talent prevails, 35-17.

#7 San Clemente (7-0) @ #14 San Juan Hills (7-1)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM – San Juan Hills High School (Badlands/Stallion Stadium, San Juan Capistrano)
Photographer: Josh Harrell
Watch Live: Spectrum Sportsnet LA

PREVIEW:
San Clemente (7-0) enters off a bye after the Norte Fire forced a no-contest against Mission Viejo. The Tritons are led by junior quarterback Preston Beck and dynamic senior two-way player Jaxson Rex (BYU commit), who has been a receiving and defensive force. Senior receiver Ryan Matheson and the ground game provide balance under veteran coach Jaime Ortiz.

San Juan Hills (7-1) is 3-0 in Alpha League play after a 14-10 win over Yorba Linda. Senior quarterback Parker Armstrong and senior wideout Luke Frith (team-high receptions in recent outings) keep the Stallions competitive. This Alpha League clash has major implications for the division race, with Spectrum Sportsnet LA carrying the action.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: San Clemente’s depth and momentum hold up on the road, 28-21.

#6 Orange Lutheran (5-3) @ #4 Mater Dei (5-2)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7:00 PM – Santa Ana Stadium
Photographer: Marco Beltran

PREVIEW:
Mater Dei (5-2) defeated Servite 38-15, racking up 211 rushing yards and scoring through the air and on the ground. The Monarchs’ physical style remains a hallmark.

Orange Lutheran (5-3) rolled past JSerra 48-13. Senior quarterback Reagan Toki and the Lancers’ receiving corps (Chris Flores Jr., Nico Bland, Raiden Velasquez) create big-play threats, while the running game has been productive. This Trinity League matchup at Santa Ana Stadium features two programs with championship pedigree.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Mater Dei’s physicality wins a hard-fought 31-24 decision.

Newbury Park (6-2) @ Oaks Christian (6-2)

Friday, Oct. 23, 7:00 PM – Oaks Christian High School (Westlake Village)
Photographer: Peter Zhan

PREVIEW:
Newbury Park (6-2) has rolled through Marmonte League play, including a 42-17 win over Simi Valley powered by a balanced attack and a 65-yard fumble return for a touchdown by senior linebacker Emmett Boyce. The Panthers score efficiently on the ground and through the air.

Oaks Christian (6-2) has been competitive in league action. This road trip for Newbury Park tests both teams’ consistency in a key Marmonte matchup.

PREDICTION:
JP’s Pick: Newbury Park’s recent form continues for a 31-24 road win.

Coverage continues across the section with JPWest Media photographers and reporters on site. Follow along for recaps, photos, and more at jpwestmedia.com.