PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: College Football Week 8

Cerritos (6–1) @ Golden West (7–0)

Saturday, October 25 –Golden West College, 12:00 PM

Photographer: Joey Gray

PREVIEW:

Week 8 in the 3C2A College Football season kicks off in Costa Mesa as the Cerritos Falcons (6–1) travel to face the undefeated Golden West Rustlers (7–0) in a marquee National Division Central League showdown.

The Rustlers are coming off a 69–6 demolition of rival Orange Coast, showcasing why they remain one of the most complete teams in the state. Quarterbacks Kauna‘oa Kamakawiwo‘ole, Noa Banua, and Drew Larson combined for over 330 passing yards and five total touchdowns, including explosive scores to Tanner Schmidt (74-yard TD) and JD Alicea (57-yard TD). Running backs Ardwon Morris and Kalen Montgomery each topped 75 yards on the ground as Golden West racked up over 600 yards of total offense. Defensively, the Rustlers have been equally dominant—Garrett Goade, Brandon Soleau, and Orlando Bustamante headline a unit that has scored multiple defensive touchdowns and forced turnovers in nearly every game this year.

Cerritos, meanwhile, survived a wild 36–35 win over Pasadena City behind a standout performance from quarterback Jeremiah Calvin, who threw for 272 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. Running back Josh Cason led the Falcons with 95 rushing yards and a TD, while wideout Danez Maxey hauled in a 40-yard touchdown to pace the receiving corps. Defensively, Clarence Chaney (14 total tackles) and Rocky Jack continue to anchor a physical front seven that thrives on pressuring the quarterback.

Saturday’s matchup will feature two of the most productive offenses in Southern California, but Golden West’s depth, balance, and defensive consistency give them the edge as they look to move to 8–0 and tighten their grip atop the National Central standings.

JP’s Prediction: Golden West 41, Cerritos 20

Saddleback (6–1) @ Palomar (1–6)

Saturday, October 25 – Escondido High School, 6:00 PM

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

Riding a four-game winning streak, the Saddleback Bobcats (6–1) continue to surge as one of the 3C2A’s hottest programs heading into their road matchup with the Palomar Comets (1–6) on Saturday night in Escondido.

Saddleback is fresh off a 59–41 victory over San Diego Mesa, their most explosive offensive performance of the season. Quarterbacks Nicky Johnson and Tyler Dudden powered the attack, combining for nearly 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Johnson went 9-of-12 for 168 yards, while Dudden added 122 yards and a pair of scoring strikes, including a 62-yard bomb to Francisco Martinez, who led all receivers with 117 yards and a touchdown.

The ground game was equally dominant, featuring Kavaughn Clark’s 79 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 7 carries, supported by Darrien Campbell (49 yards, TD) and Dudden (27 yards, TD). On special teams, Manuel Maganda was flawless, going 7-for-7 on PATs and drilling a 34-yard field goal, while Jacob Sekiyoba’s 45-yard interception return for a touchdown highlighted a defense that continues to make big plays when needed.

For Palomar, it’s been a frustrating stretch despite flashes of potential. In last week’s 45–31 loss to El Camino, quarterback KJ Chatham threw for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns, and running back Logan Cella added 78 yards and a score on the ground. However, turnovers and defensive breakdowns have plagued the Comets throughout their 1–6 campaign. Linebacker Lucas Valencia (7 tackles) and Caden McDonald (8 tackles) anchor a defense that will have its hands full with one of the most balanced offenses in the state.

With playoff positioning tightening, Saddleback looks to keep momentum rolling into November and extend its winning streak to five, while Palomar hopes to snap its skid with a statement win at home.

JP’s Prediction: Saddleback 45, Palomar 34