WEEK PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: CIF-SS Quarterfinals and 3C2A Football Week 10

Corona Centennial @ Mission Viejo

Friday, 11/15, 7 pm – Diablo Stadium

Coverage by: Zack Rockoff

PREVIEW:

The clash between the Centennial (Corona) Huskies (8-2) and the Mission Viejo Diablos (10-0) marks the second round of the CIF-SS 2024-25 Division 1 playoffs. Both teams enter this game after first-round byes, making this a highly anticipated public school showdown.

Centennial started the season with back-to-back losses, including a 25-42 defeat against Mater Dei in the season opener, a game they played without star QB Husan Longstreet. However, the Huskies have since turned their season around, winning eight consecutive games by wide margins. Longstreet, now back in action, has tallied 1,890 total yards and 23 touchdowns on the year. Sophomore running back Braylin Drake, who averages 142 rushing yards per game and has 12 touchdowns, is another key player for Centennial, as is senior wide receiver Cory Butler Jr., who has also found the end zone 12 times. Centennial’s high-powered offense faces a strong Diablo defense that will be determined to keep them out of the end zone.

Mission Viejo has been dominant all season, most recently defeating Edison 49-24 despite a slow first half. With a talented offense led by QB duo Luke Fahey and Drai Trudeau, plus standout wide receivers like Cash Semonza, Dijon Lee Jr., Phillip Bell III, and Vance Spafford, the Diablos are well-equipped to keep scoring high. Running back Hinesward Lilomaiava adds another layer of versatility to their offense. Defensively, Mission Viejo boasts Alabama commit Dijon Lee Jr. in the secondary, who has recorded four interceptions, and linebacker Jaden Williams, who has an impressive 23 sacks, ranking him in the top 10 nationally.

As the only public schools in CIF-SS Division 1, this matchup is widely viewed as the “public school championship.” The winner will advance to face the victor of Mater Dei vs. Sierra Canyon in the CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Mission Viejo narrowly edges out Centennial 28-25.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Mission Viejo secures a 28-21 home victory to advance to the semifinals.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: Newbury Park @ San Clemente

Friday, 11/15, 7 pm – Thalassa Stadium

Coverage by: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs continue with an exciting matchup between the undefeated Newbury Park Panthers (11-0) and the San Clemente Tritons (6-5). This is JPWest Media’s Game of the Week, and it promises to be a D2 heavyweight clash.

San Clemente defeated Edison 21-17 two weeks ago, led by running back Colin Kohl, who scored all three touchdowns, and safety Max Bollard, who recorded an interception. They continued their strong form with a commanding 42-7 first-round playoff win over Damien. Facing Newbury Park, a program revitalized by 5-star QB and Florida State commit Brady Smigiel, the Tritons will need a near-flawless performance to advance at home.

Newbury Park, on the other hand, has dominated all season, outscoring opponents 444-74 across 11 games. Brady Smigiel has been exceptional, amassing 2,604 passing yards, 324 rushing yards, and 47 touchdowns. His favorite target, Princeton commit Shane Rosenthal, has totaled 1,153 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. Defensively, Newbury Park has been solid, conceding fewer than 80 points this season. Key players include Rosenthal, who also holds seven interceptions, and linebackers Balen Betancourt and Carter Taylor, each with seven sacks.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Newbury Park advances with a 28-17 win over San Clemente.

JP’S PREDICTION:

San Clemente pulls off an exciting victory, winning 35-31 to extend their hot streak to advance into the semifinals.

Huntington Beach @ Summit

Friday, 11/15, 7 pm – A.B. Miller High School

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:

Huntington Beach faces off against Summit High School in the CIF-SS Division 5 quarterfinals. Last week, the Oilers claimed a high-scoring 56-39 victory over Western, with seven different players scoring touchdowns, including standout performances by Gabe Bryant, Niko Lopez, and Steel Kurtz. Trent Clark added a special teams highlight with a 50-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Summit (10-1) enters the game fresh off a 37-7 first-round win over Torrance, with strong rushing performances from Daniel Bonilla and Mark Mitchell III, who each surpassed 110 yards. Bonilla also added three touchdowns.

PREDICTION:

Huntington Beach wins a defensive battle, advancing to the semifinals with a 21-10 victory.

Golden West @ Mt. San Antonio

Saturday, 11/16, 6 pm – Hilmer Lodge Stadium

Coverage by: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

In the final week of 3C2A football, the Golden West Rustlers (8-1) travel to Walnut, CA, to face the undefeated Mt. SAC Mounties (9-0). Golden West recently defeated Long Beach City College 31-24 and Cerritos College 34-7. Quarterback Will Burns, a former Texas Tech baseball player, has been pivotal, totaling four touchdowns against Cerritos. To contend with Mt. SAC, he’ll need another standout performance.

Mt. SAC has also been dominant, most recently defeating Long Beach City College 44-14. The Mounties will look to remain undefeated in this home matchup against a tough Rustler defense.

RICHARD’S PREDICTION:

Golden West hands Mt. SAC their first loss with a 17-14 win.

JP’S PREDICTION:

Mt. SAC holds off Golden West in a thrilling 35-28 victory to secure the conference title.

Mt. San Jacinto @ Saddleback

Saturday, 11/16, 6 pm – Saddleback College

Coverage by: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW:

In this 3C2A regular-season finale, Saddleback College hosts Mt. San Jacinto. Last year, the Bobcats fell to the Eagles 16-13, but they come into this game off an upset win over Fullerton, where QB Trey Kukuk threw for 355 yards and two touchdowns. Receivers Marques Carillo-Edgar, Dane Benedix, and Andrez Lewis each recorded over 100 yards. Defensive stops from Joseph Malfavon, Ryan Bethke, and Joseph Chavez were crucial in the victory.

Mt. San Jacinto, coming off a 40-21 win over Grossmont, will look to continue their momentum, led by quarterback Logan Gonzalez, who threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns.

PREDICTION:

Saddleback avenges last year’s loss, winning 35-21 in the season finale.