WEEK PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS: CIFSS Week 4 and 3C2A Football Week 3

Fountain Valley @ Edison

Friday 9/20 7pm

LeBard Stadium (Orange Coast College)

Covering: Richard Do

PREVIEW: Week 4 of the CIF Southern Section is here, and it kicks off with the highly anticipated JPWest Media Game of the Week as the Fountain Valley Barons and Edison Chargers renew their rivalry in the Bell Game. The Edison Chargers have dominated this non-league matchup since 2005, with the Barons last winning on November 5, 2004, in a nail-biter, 21-20, when the game was played at Angel Stadium.

The Chargers enter this year’s contest as one of the hottest teams in Orange County, rebounding from a rough start. After losing their first two games by just one point to Clovis West and Yorba Linda, Edison found their groove, defeating Lakewood 29-15 and cruising to a 41-7 victory over Palos Verdes. Senior running back Julius Gillick, ranked #4 in the JPWest Media Preseason Rankings, rushed for 214 yards on 14 carries, while senior quarterback Savelio Niumata, ranked #14, threw for 109 yards on 7-of-8 completions with two touchdowns.

On the other side, the Fountain Valley Barons are looking to bounce back after three consecutive losses. They started the season strong with a 49-6 win over Ocean View but struggled last week, falling 33-14 to Tustin. The Barons hope for a much-improved performance as they aim to reclaim the bell for the first time in 20 years.

PREDICTION: Chargers stay hot with another big rushing performance by Julius Gillick as Edison keeps the bell in Huntington Beach in a 56-7 win

Huntington Beach @ Mayfair

Friday 9/20 7pm

Bellflower High School

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck

Reporter: Dean Ferguson

PREVIEW:  Last season, the Huntington Beach Oilers kicked off their campaign with a 34-21 victory over the Mayfair Monsoons at Cap Sheue Field, marking the high school debut of now-sophomore, 4-star quarterback Brady Edmunds.

As they approach the non-league season finale, the Oilers are eager to bounce back from last week’s 21-0 shutout loss to Redondo Union. After going 0-for-3 in the red zone, the Oilers are aiming for a much stronger offensive performance. Troy Foster, ranked #2 in the JPWest Media Preseason Rankings, recorded 131 yards on eight receptions, while the defense made strides, allowing their lowest total yardage of the season at 262. Steel Kurtz and Dylan Cunningham both tallied 8+ total tackles to lead the defense.

However, the Oilers are still searching for their first road win since 2022, having gone 0-7 in away games over the past year and a half. They’ll look to end that streak on Friday night.

On the other side, the Mayfair Monsoons are riding a three-game winning streak after dropping their season opener to Yorba Linda. They’ve since rebounded with wins over Diamond Ranch, Cypress, and Lakewood. Senior quarterback Jeremiah Calvin, who will get a second shot at the Oilers, will be looking for revenge after last year’s loss.

PREDICTION: Mayfair gets revenge on the Oilers at home 42-35

St. Augustine @ Newport Harbor

Friday 9/20 7pm

Davison Field (Newport Harbor High School)

Covering: Zack Rockoff

PREVIEW: It’s been a tough start for both the Newport Harbor Sailors and the St. Augustine Saints, as each team enters this week with an 0-4 record. Last season, the Sailors suffered a heartbreaking 30-32 loss at San Diego Mesa—home to St. Augustine—on a blocked game-winning field goal attempt.

This season, the Sailors are eager to put their first four games behind them and build momentum before heading into their bye week, with league play just around the corner. According to an anonymous source, Newport Harbor is making a change at quarterback, with junior Jake Meer expected to start this week.

The Saints, meanwhile, have also struggled, but senior running back Caelyb Aguirre has been a bright spot, rushing for 116 yards in last week’s loss to Brawley. St. Augustine will be looking to replicate last season’s success against the Sailors and get back on track.

PREDICTION: Coach Burns gets his first win as the Sailors head coach in a 22-17 win

San Diego Mesa @ Golden West

Saturday 9/21 6pm

Golden West College

Covering: Richard Do

PREVIEW: Week 2 delivered a shocking upset as Golden West stunned the No. 1 team in California, the defending state champion Riverside City Tigers, by a single point at home. Quarterback Will Burns led the Rustlers with 225 passing yards on 23 completions, including a game-winning connection with Beck Walker. On defense, Jesse Schumacher made a huge impact with two tackles and a crucial interception that sealed the victory for Golden West.

Now, the Rustlers return home to face another tough test as they take on the No. 8-ranked San Diego Mesa Olympians.

The Olympians enter Week 3 with a commanding 65-0 win over San Bernardino Valley in their opener and a narrow 12-8 victory over Cerritos last week. Quarterback Jax Leatherwood threw for 136 yards on 10 completions, including one touchdown in last week’s game.

PREDICTION: #3 Golden West keeps it rolling with a big win at home 28-7

Saddleback @ Antelope Valley

Saturday 9/21 6pm

Antelope Valley College

Covering: Jeremy Westerbeck

PREVIEW: Following a strong performance last week, Saddleback heads up the road to face Santa Barbara, riding high after a 38-24 victory over the Vaqueros. The Bobcats once again utilized their two-quarterback system with Nicky Johnson and Trey Kukuk, each throwing for two touchdowns.

The standout offensive player was Omarjaye Black, who hauled in three receptions for 131 yards, including a spectacular 75-yard touchdown pass from Johnson. On defense, Jackson Irwin and TJ Griffin each recorded key interceptions, playing pivotal roles in securing the Bobcats’ win.

This week, Saddleback faces an 0-2 Antelope Valley squad, who are coming off a 28-12 loss to Grossmont. Antelope Valley’s quarterback, Jacob Root, threw for 180 yards on 12 completions, with the majority of those going to wide receiver Demario Jackson, who finished with eight receptions for 154 yards.

PREDICTION: Saddleback heads back home over .500 with a big win on the road 42-14