PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: SCFA Semifinals Edition

#4 Ventura @ #1 Golden West

Saturday – 12:00 PM | Golden West College

Photographers: Joey Gray and Richard Do • Reporter: Justin Lee

PREVIEW:

The SCFA Semifinals arrive in Huntington Beach as Golden West hosts Ventura with a trip to the SCFA Championship on the line.

Golden West has been off since November 8th, when the Rustlers locked up the National Central League title behind one of their most explosive offensive performances of the year. Quarterback Kauna‘oa Kamakawiwo‘ole delivered a statement outing, throwing for 284 yards and 4 touchdowns, while the run game dominated behind Kendric Thomas (120 yards, TD) and Aaron Mitchell (118 yards).

Receiver Tanner Schmidt turned in a monster night with 9 catches for 166 yards and 3 scores, continuing his rise as one of the most reliable big-play threats in the state. Defensively, Golden West was active and disruptive, led by Brandon Soleau’s 11 total tackles and interception, and Kaleb McCutcheon’s sack, as the Rustlers again showcased their physicality up front.

Ventura enters fresh off a dramatic win, leaning heavily on quarterback Braesen Leon, who threw for 427 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 38 more on the ground. The Pirates moved the ball efficiently through the air with Silas Kemp and Elijah Davis combining for 265 receiving yards, while the defense was led by Jaxon Arrington’s 17 total tackles and Charlie Neos’ 11.

This semifinal features two of the most explosive offenses in the state — but Golden West’s balance on both sides of the ball, combined with the extra rest, gives the Rustlers a major advantage at home.

JP’S PICK:

Golden West 34, Ventura 27

Golden West’s offensive depth and defensive consistency give them the edge in a high-scoring semifinal. The Rustlers’ ability to run the football and control tempo proves decisive late

#3 Mt. San Antonio @ #2 Saddleback

Saturday – 1:00 PM | Saddleback College

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck • Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:

The SCFA postseason rolls into Mission Viejo on Saturday afternoon as #2 Saddleback hosts #3 Mt. San Antonio in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown — a rematch of one of the most physical games of the regular season and a clash of two programs with legitimate state title aspirations.

Saddleback returns to action for the first time since November 8th, when the Bobcats hammered El Camino 49–7 to secure the National Southern League championship. The Bobcats were dominant in every phase, piling up explosive plays while suffocating El Camino defensively.

Running back Darrien Campbell was unstoppable in that win, rushing for 114 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Kavaughn Clark added a massive 102-yard, 1-touchdown performance of his own — including a 90-yard burst that broke the game open. Saddleback’s offense continued to spread the wealth, with eight different receivers recording catches and the Bobcats controlling field position throughout the night.

Defensively, Saddleback was just as overwhelming. Jaden Humphrey and Dominic Lopez each recorded sacks, while Lucas Short delivered a 40-yard pick-six to highlight a defensive unit that allowed just one score and forced pressure throughout.

Mt. SAC, meanwhile, enters the semifinals after surviving one of the craziest playoff games in recent memory — a 42–40 win in FIVE overtimes against El Camino. The Mounties needed every snap to advance, leaning on the dual-quarterback pairing of Hunter Herrera and Daunte Bell, who combined for 329 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Receiver Conrad Tuffly was nearly unguardable, erupting for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Aiden Ramos continued to be their most reliable playmaker, posting 103 rushing yards and adding another 44 yards through the air.

Defensively, Mt. SAC held up in the marathon finish, getting key stops and two takeaways — including a clutch overtime interception by Nasjae Richardson that kept the Mounties alive.

This semifinal sets up as a heavyweight battle between Saddleback’s physicality and depth against Mt. SAC’s explosive passing game and postseason-tested resilience. With a trip to the SCFA Championship on the line, both teams come in battle-tested — one rested, one fresh off a war.

JP’S PICK:

Saddleback 31, Mt. San Antonio 27

The Bobcats’ downhill run game behind Campbell and Clark, paired with a defense that’s allowed only one touchdown in its last outing, gives Saddleback a narrow advantage at home. Mt. SAC’s five-overtime thriller showed their toughness, but the emotional and physical toll of that marathon — combined with Saddleback’s rest and depth — gives the Bobcats the edge late.