WEEK PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 2 and SCFA Football Week 1

Foothill @ Orange

Thursday 9/5 7pm

Fred Kelly Stadium

Covering: Richard Do

PREVIEW:  Week 2 of the CIF Southern Section football season is here, and we have an exciting matchup as the Orange Panthers host the Foothill Knights.

The Panthers last took the field against the Huntington Beach Oilers in their season opener, where freshman quarterback Star Thomas put on a show, throwing for 476 yards on 42 completions. Gianni Brown and Parker Brown accounted for 27 of those receptions, combining for 301 yards. After a tough loss to Villa Park last week, the 0-2 Panthers will be looking to bounce back.

The Foothill Knights come into this game with a 1-1 record, aiming to recover from last week’s 42-14 loss to the Tustin Tillers. Senior quarterback Gino Marchetti threw for 158 yards on 14 completions and will look to lead his team to a rebound victory.

PREDICTION: Orange gets back on the right track with a 35-14 win

Millilani @ Los Alamitos

Friday 9/6 7pm

Los Alamitos HS

Covering: Richard Do

PREVIEW: The Griffins are coming off a dominant 49-6 victory over the Narbonne Gauchos, with standout performances from Jerod Terry and Lenny Ibarra, who have been key contributors in helping the Griffins start the season 2-0.

Their next challenge comes from the Millilani Trojans, who arrive in Southern California from Millilani, Hawaii. Ranked as the number one team in Hawaii, the Trojans boast a 3-0 start with victories over Kailua, St. Louis, and Liberty.

PREDICTION: Jerod Terry and the Griffins come away with a close 28-25 win 

Capistrano Valley @ Huntington Beach

Friday 9/6 7pm

Cap Sheue Field

Reporter: Dean Ferguson

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW: After a big win over the Oilers last season, the Capo Valley Cougars are now off to a strong 2-0 start. They will travel to Huntington Beach to face the Oilers in the third game of the season. The Cougars’ offense is averaging 358.5 all-purpose yards, with a significant contribution from quarterback Tommy Acosta, who threw for 204 yards in their season-opening win in Hawaii.

The Huntington Beach Oilers come into this matchup with a 1-1 record after a tough loss to the Trabuco Hills Mustangs in the final minutes last week. Despite the loss, quarterback Brady Edmunds had a career game, throwing for 377 yards and 4 touchdowns. Troy Foster also made an impact, returning his second kickoff for a touchdown this season with a 92-yard run on the opening kickoff. The Oilers are looking to bounce back and seek revenge against the Capo Valley Cougars.

PREDICTION: Capo Valley wins in a close one as we see another Offensive Shootout 49-42

Upland @ Villa Park

Saturday 9/7 9am

Fred Kelly Stadium

Reporter: Dean Ferguson

Photographer: Richard Do

It’s an early kickoff for CIF Southern Section football, with the Villa Park Spartans hosting the Upland Highlanders at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Fred Kelly Stadium.

The Highlanders come into this matchup with a 2-0 record, following a narrow victory over La Habra two weeks ago and a 34-17 win over the Norco Cougars last week. Sophomore quarterback Lequand Jackson threw for 238 yards on 12 completions, connecting for 3 touchdowns—all to Justin Benson, who had 6 receptions. On defense, juniors Roman Ponce and Nick Bester led the way, each recording 11 solo tackles.

The Villa Park Spartans enter the game fresh off their first win of the season, a dominant 51-14 victory over the Orange Panthers. The Spartans will look to build on that strong performance on Saturday morning.

PREDICTION: Upland continues their winning season with a close 35-31 win over Villa Park

Saddleback @ Ventura

Saturday 9/7 6pm

Ventura College

Covering: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW: The Junior College football season is officially here, and the Saddleback Bobcats are set to travel to face last year’s SCFA runner-ups, the Ventura Pirates. Ventura’s last appearance saw them advance to the SCFA Championship in a November thriller, clinching the game after a missed field goal by the Fullerton Hornets. The Bobcats also faced the Pirates in last season’s opener at Saddleback, where they held a 23-15 halftime lead but ultimately fell short in a 35-30 loss to Ventura.

PREDICTION: Ventura starts the season off with a 28-25 win over the Bobcats