WEEK PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Round 1 and 3C2A Football Week 9

North Torrance @ Edison

Thursday, 11/7, 7pm – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:

The 2024 CIFSS Playoffs kick off with a Division 3 Round 1 matchup at Cap Sheue Field, where the Edison Chargers return home to face the North Torrance Saxons. As the 3rd seed, Edison looks to bounce back from a two-game losing streak against the 14th-seeded Saxons.

Last week, Edison faced a heartbreaking loss to San Clemente, leading 10-7 at halftime before ultimately falling 21-17 in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, North Torrance enters the playoffs with a strong 8-1 record, having just defeated Torrance High 34-14. Sophomore quarterback Boogie Anetema had an impressive performance, completing 19 of 28 passes for 345 yards and five touchdowns. The Saxons could be a serious upset threat for Edison in this matchup.

PREDICTION:

Sam Thomson and the Chargers pull off a narrow win in Round 1, 24-21.

Santa Barbara @ El Modena

Thursday 11/7, 7pm – Fred Kelly Stadium

Covering: Richard Do

PREVIEW:

The CIFSS 2024-25 playoffs continue with a Division 4 Round 1 game between the El Modena Vanguards (8-2) and the Santa Barbara Dons (6-3-1).

El Modena’s season saw a bit of a hiccup last week when quarterback Xzavior Guess threw three interceptions against Cypress, after having only three total interceptions on the season. Fortunately for the Vanguards, their defense rose to the occasion, with linebacker Brodie Hitchens and defensive back Jesse Leslie each recording an interception. Both offense and defense will need to be in sync for El Modena as they face the traveling Santa Barbara Dons.

Santa Barbara, led by standout athlete Kai Mault, who has scored 18 touchdowns this season, will be aiming to continue their offensive dominance. Defensive leader Bode Fauskee, averaging nine tackles per game, will look to capitalize on any mistakes by Guess and keep the El Modena offense in check.

PREDICTION:

Santa Barbara pulls off the upset, sending El Modena home with a 28-20 victory.

JPWest Media Game of the Week: Western @ Huntington Beach

Friday, 11/8, 7pm – Cap Sheue Field

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:

This week’s JPWest Media Game of the Week takes us back to Cap Sheue Field, where the top-seeded Huntington Beach Oilers host the Western Pioneers in a Division 5 playoff showdown. These teams last met in 2019, with Western winning 14-0, but Huntington Beach got revenge in 2021 with a 41-0 victory.

The Oilers earned the 1st seed after a strong season and a final win over El Dorado. Quarterback Brady Edmunds went 18 of 25 for 332 yards and four touchdowns, with big contributions from receivers Steel Kurtz and Niko Lopez, who combined for 247 yards. Gabe Bryant also added 64 yards on two receptions.

The Western Pioneers also come into this game after a solid finale, defeating Trabuco Hills. Sophomore quarterback Chance Thomas threw for 188 yards on 19 of 27 completions with one touchdown, while running back Malachi Alatorre led the ground game with 122 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns.

PREDICTION:

Huntington Beach holds on in a close one, winning the Game of the Week 35-31.

Saddleback @ Fullerton

Friday, 11/9, 12pm – Fullerton College

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Reporter: Isabella Lyons

PREVIEW:

Week 9 of the 3C2A football season brings us a Saturday afternoon matchup as the Saddleback Bobcats travel to North Orange County to face the Fullerton Hornets. Saddleback is coming off a 63-46 loss to Riverside, where quarterback Trey Kukuk completed 21 of 33 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns, including a 44-yard touchdown to Omarjaye Black.

Fullerton, on the other hand, enters this game with momentum after a shutout win over Grossmont. Quarterback Tobey Schmidt went 7 for 12 for 161 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Hornets cruise to victory.

PREDICTION:

Fullerton defends home field, defeating the Bobcats 28-21.