Roundup: Upset wins by Cathedral Catholic, La Costa Canyon sure to shake up top-10 poll

by John Maffei

For the second time this season, Friday upsets will toss the high school football Top 10 on its head.

A new No. 1 team is likely after No. 5 Cathedral Catholic High School upset No. 1 Lincoln 43-22 in a Western League game. Add No. 4 La Costa Canyon’s stunning 50-22 Avocado West League win over No. 2 Carlsbad, and the Top 10 will most certainly change.

“Guess we’ll have a new No. 1 next week,” LCC coach Sean Sovacool said Friday after hearing Cathedral Catholic had upset Lincoln. “I would hope the voters would consider us after beating the No. 2 team and having a running clock.”

Asked who he thought the No. 1 team in the county is, LCC running back Coby Herman said: “It’s anyone’s guess. We lost to Mission Hills by a point, but beat Mount Miguel and San Marcos.”

Mission Hills (8-1) beat Granite Hills, La Costa Canyon, Torrey Pines and Rancho Bernardo, but lost to Carlsbad.

Carlsbad (8-1) beat Mission Hills and San Marcos, but lost to LCC.

Lincoln is 7-2 with losses to Mission Viejo, the No. 8-ranked team in the state, and Cathedral Catholic.

Cathedral Catholic is also 7-2. The Dons have lost to Concord De La Salle, ranked No. 6 in the state, and Point Loma, which is 9-0.

Point Loma, ranked No. 7 in San Diego, is one of four unbeaten teams in the CIF San Diego Section, a list that includes Mission Bay, Santa Fe Christian and Imperial.

Cathedral Catholic High School's Honor Faalave (9) leaves Lincoln High's, Cammeron Purnell (1) face down as he runs the ball during Friday's football game at Lincoln High School in San Diego, CA. (Xavier Hernandez / For The San Diego Union-Tribune) — Cathedral Catholic High School’s Honor Faalave (9) leaves Lincoln High’s, Cammeron Purnell (1) face down as he runs the ball during Friday’s football game at Lincoln High School in San Diego, CA. (Xavier Hernandez / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Top 10

No. 3 Mission Hills 56, No. 10 Rancho Bernardo 0: This was the largest margin of victory for Mission Hills (8-1) and the largest shutout in school history in the nonleague win. Mission Hills got good news before the game: the San Marcos School District announced that assistant coaches Thomas Altieri and Eddie Nuckols, who had been on administrative leave since Game 4 as the district investigated an on-campus incident, had been reinstated. Altieri is the team’s defensive coordinator, Nuckols the defensive line coach. Head coach Chris Hauser, who was also on administrative leave during the investigation, resigned early last week.

No. 4 La Costa Canyon 50, No. 2 Carlsbad 22: Herman rushed 16 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns for LCC (8-1, 2-1) in the Avocado West League game. He also had four catches for 113 yards and a TD. Quinn Roth threw for 256 yards with TDs to Herman and Lennox Marcucci. Ryan Scully scored on a 44-yard fake punt and Ethan Polloreno returned an interception for a score. Kai Brown rushed 16 times for 124 yards to lead Carlsbad (8-1, 2-1). Darian Webb and Ethan Myerhoff had TD receptions.

No. 5 Cathedral Catholic 42, No. 1 Lincoln 33: Honor Fa’alave-Johnson had touchdown runs of 57, 33, 16 and 4 yards as Cathedral Catholic (7-2, 2-0) upset Lincoln (7-2, 1-1) in a Western League game. Josh Faraimo, subbing for starting quarterback Brady Palmer, threw a TD pass to Isaac Cook. Courtney Miller-Thompson had a 25-yard TD catch from Kainan Manna and an 18-yarder from Jordan Roa. Junior Curtis had a TD run.

No. 6 Granite Hills 42, El Capitan 6: Zac Benitez passed for three touchdowns and Parker Johnson returned a pair of punts for scores as Granite Hills (6-3, 3-0) topped El Capitan (4-5, 0-3) to capture the Grossmont Hills League title. It’s the Eagles’ fourth consecutive league crown. El Capitan (4-5, 0-3) was limited to 51 yards of total offense. Spencer Chastang forced and recovered a fumble as well as scoring the Vaqueros’ lone touchdown.

No. 7 Point Loma 24, Christian 0: Henry Heuser threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns and Ryder Watson threw for 78 yards and a score for Point Loma (9-0, 4-0) in the Eastern League contest. Leo Shad, Graham Murdock and Tanner Pradling had TD catches for the Pointers. Romeo Carter caught nine balls for 120 yards. Christian falls to 2-7, 0-4.

No. 9 Mount Miguel: Idle

Avocado East League

Del Norte 17, El Camino 14: Mateo Orosco’s 25-yard field goal in the game’s dying seconds lifted Del Norte (4-5, 1-3) to the win. Maddox Romans had a 3-yard TD run and Noah Harris returned a fumble for a score. Anthony Sega had a 4-yard TD run for El Camino (1-8, 0-3).

Oceanside 24, Poway 21 (OT): Kymani Nua kicked a 17-yard field goal in overtime to give Oceanside (5-4, 3-0) the win. Neke Letuli, Exodus Taele and SJ Poumele scored rushing TDs for the Pirates. James Clifford had six catches for 230 yards and a pair of TDs for Poway (4-5, 2-1). Noah Schuback threw for 334 yards, and Luke Jorgensen had a 2-yard TD run.

Central League

Coronado 30, Morse 14: Coronado rushed for 260 yards, led by Melo Aveytan. Reese Pagon had an 11-yard TD catch for the Islanders (5-3, 2-1). Nico Derkash had field goals of 26 and 34 yards. Morse is 5-4, 2-1.

Kearny 30, Clairemont 14: Jayden Hills rushed 13 times for 200 yards and two touchdowns to lead Kearny (5-4, 1-1). Clairemont falls to 1-9, 0-2.

City League

Patrick Henry 41, Mira Mesa 20: Shay Wilt threw for 162 yards and two touchdowns to lead Henry (4-6, 3-1). Cole Farace rushed 19 times for 121 yards and a score. Ian Brooke and Quimm Fuentes caught TD passes. Eddie Olozagaste threw for 214 yards and three TDs for Mira Mesa (4-5, 0-4). Isaac Mendoza had 14 carries for 248 yards and two TDs and had a 51-yard TD reception. Jayson Giusti rushed for 80 yards and a score.

Mission Bay 49, Crawford 21: Nestor Bautista rushed 12 times for 102 yards and a pair of touchdowns and caught a 54-yard TD pass for Mission Bay (9-0, 3-0). Trey Arnold threw for 338 yards and five TDs. Sean Lander had seven catches for 118 yards and two scores, Jayden Marcelin had four catches for 98 yards and two TDs and Collin Scott had three receptions for 76 yards and a score. Crawford is 2-7, 1-2.

Coastal League

Army-Navy Academy 28, Bishop’s 21: Jonah Tua had a pair of touchdown runs and Vincent Leatherman had one for Army-Navy (7-1, 2-1). Lincoln Brunson, Patrick Knight and Tristan Hoag anchored the defense. Cash Herrera threw a pair of TD passes to Dane Larson for Bishop’s (7-2, 1-1). Luc Smedra returned a fumble for a TD.

La Jolla Country Day 35, Classical Academy 21: Marvin Jones threw for 68 yards and a touchdown and also caught three passes for 52 yards and a score to pace LJCD (4-5, 2-2). Jett Astephen completed 7 of 8 passes for 133 yards and two TDs. Quentin Cesaire had a TD reception and a 99-yard fumble return. Hesh Hertz had a TD catch and DJ Nwagbuo intercepted three passes. Hunter Schmidt rushed for 147 yards and a TD for Classical (2-7, 0-3).

Desert League

Palo Verde Valley 34, Southwest-El Centro 6: Ayden Walker rushed for 175 yards on 17 carries, scoring twice, as Palo Verde Valley (6-4, 3-0) captured its third league title in five years. Christian Richards added 124 yards on 21 carries as the Yellow Jackets collected 509 yards of offense. Southwest falls to 1-8, 0-2.

Vincent Memorial 38, Calipatria 0: Vincent Memorial (3-6, 2-1) blanked Calipatria (4-4, 0-2).

Eastern League

St. Augustine 41, La Jolla 35: Pai Polamalu rushed for a school-record 316 yards for St. Augustine (4-5, 2-1), scoring three touchdowns. He also caught a 24-yard TD pass from Vincent Smith. Smith also had a 33-yard scoring toss to Mateo Ilui. Cooper Hamric had a 44-yard interception return for a TD. Carson Diehl caught 13 passes for 238 yards and four TDs from Emerson Rota for La Jolla (5-4, 2-1).

Madison 30, San Diego 26: Adrian Sola returned a fumble 56 yards for a score as Madison (3-6, 2-2) beat San Diego (5-4, 1-3). Sola also had a pair of 1-yard TD runs. Harrison Brown had a 51-yard field goal. David Sanchez had a pair of TD runs for San Diego. Jayden Harris threw TD passes to Kye Cooper and Kayman Shields.

Grossmont Hills League

Helix 39, Steele Canyon 34: Helix (4-6, 2-2) wrapped up its regular season by beating Steele Canyon (7-2, 1-2). Gavin Caha kept Steele Canyon close, throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Marcus Hunt rushed for 87 yards and Noah De Arcos had 63 yards in receptions.

Grossmont Valley League

West Hills 10, Santana 7 (OT): Christian Slojkowski made a 25-yard field goal in overtime to lift West Hills (3-6, 3-1) past Santana (5-4, 2-2). Tatum Morehouse scored on a 14-yard fumble recovery for Santana.

Grossmont 60, El Cajon Valley 14: Tyler Holmes completed all 12 of his pass attempts for 163 yards and three scores to lead Grossmont (8-1, 4-0) to the Valley League title. Corbin Dow rushed for 108 yards on eight carries, scoring once, and Kenny Krauss led the receivers with four catches for 56 yards and a TD. Max Bewley and Dallin Mackay added TD catches. Jonah Martinez and Gage Weichelt had kickoff returns for touchdowns while Colton Burke led the defense with a pick-six. Hudson Hager added an interception and Jaylen Williams forced a fumble. El Cajon Valley falls to 2-7, 0-4.

Monte Vista 35, Valhalla 11: Four different Monte Vista players rushed for touchdowns. Daeshaun Jenkins led the way with 110 rushing yards, including a 74-yard TD, Deon Hunter piled up 80 yards and a 20-yard score while Gio Lopez and Derrick Taylor had short scoring runs. Rahshawn Florence caught four passes for 78 yards and the fifth Monarchs TD. Monte Vista improved to 5-4, 2-2, while Valhalla fell to 2-7, 1-3.

Imperial Valley League

Imperial 14, Brawley 7: Imperial (9-0, 3-0) kept its unbeaten season alive with the win over Brawley (2-7, 1-2). Santonio Urena was 15 of 21 for 192 yards and a touchdown. Deren Hueso rushed 25 times for 155 yards.

Holtville 58, Calexico 14: Enrique Armas rushed for 205 yards and four touchdowns as Holtville (8-1, 3-0) rolled past Calexico (3-5, 0-4). Andre Gonzales and Francisco Arroyo both added scoring runs, and Alan Carrillo turned his lone reception into a 53-yard TD. Calexico was led by Alberto Castro, who had a 60-yard touchdown catch. Andre Lopez rushed for 100 yards and a TD.

Metro Mesa League

Chula Vista 16, Eastlake 9: Isaiah Heard and Elijah Richardson rushed for touchdowns for Chula Vista (2-7, 1-2) in the upset of Eastlake (4-5, 1-1). Darrion Frisson had 11 tackles and forced a fumble. Cesar Ceja recovered two fumbles and Jaylen Clark had an interception.

Mater Dei Catholic 48, Sweetwater 14: Mater Dei Catholic (6-3, 3-0) clinched the league championship with a win over Sweetwater (4-6, 1-2). Jayden Blondin scored on a 72-yard run. Shelby Villegas had a 40-yard, scoop-and-score.

Metro Pacific League

Southwest-San Diego 27, San Ysidro 20 (OT): Samuel Gonzalez plowed for a 6-yard touchdown and then Southwest (4-5, 1-1) stopped San Ysidro (3-6, 0-2) on the 2-yard line to produce the overtime victory. Southwest’s Leo Holquin threw for 244 yards and two TDs.

Mar Vista 41, Castle Park 0: Holden Bell threw for 168 yards and four touchdowns to lead Mar Vista (5-4, 2-0) past Castle Park (1-8, 0-2). Braylon Shumate caught three passes for 102 yards, including a 90-yard score. Cionte Fewell had a 60-yard TD.

Metro South Bay League

Hilltop 28, Montgomery 20: Julian Moran caught a pair of touchdown passes, Leo Mendoza rushed for 166 yards and a score, and Hilltop (6-3, 2-0) beat Montgomery (5-4, 0-2). Moran, Tre Nichols and Abraham Matuz all intercepted passes for the Lancers.

Olympian 38, Bonita Vista 7: Jayden Fuentes rushed for one touchdown and passed for two others to lead Olympian (8-1, 2-0) past Bonita Vista (3-6, 0-2). Jayce Reimer broke a 50-yard TD and Devin Fuller added a 4-yarder.

Pacific League

Coastal Academy 28, Escondido Charter 0: Coastal Academy (8-2, 2-0) led 25-0 at the half and cruised to the win over Escondido Charter (2-7, 0-2).

Palomar League

Ramona 56, Escondido 6: Tim Paredes scored on runs of 5, 32 and 55 yards, finishing with 11 carries for 155 yards, as Ramona (5-4, 2-0) won. Ryan Shaw threw TD passes to Trake Kelly and Noah Bedia. Adrian Ornelas had a 24-yard TD run and Ryan Peck had an 18-yarder. Escondido falls to 2-7, 0-2.

San Pasqual 42, Mt. Carmel 20: Robert Renteria threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns and added a 5-yard TD run as San Pasqual (6-3, 2-1) cruised. Marcus Rocha had five catches for 120 yards, Jordan Simmons had three catches for 119 yards and two scores and Jared Brecht had three catches for 91 yards and a 29-yard TD. Landon Lockwood had a 3-yard TD run, returned a fumble 48 yards for a TD and had 10 tackles. Trevor Taumoepeau led Mt. Carmel (4-6, 1-3) with 305 passing yards and two scores. Vohann Brown and Connor Gibbons had 10 catches apiece.

Sunset League

Foothills Christian 42, Tri-City Christian 13: Joshua Hawkins had three rushing touchdowns to lead Foothills Christian (1-8, 1-4) while Jack Sudi had two. Mason Wilborn threw a TD pass to Hawkins. Tri-City falls to 0-9, 0-6.

Maranatha Christian 62, O’Farrell Charter 0: Shane Piester threw for 173 yards and four touchdowns for Maranatha (8-1, 5-0). Hudson Heinrichs had four catches for 85 yards and two TDs, and Aaron Tasin had five tackles and a sack. O’Farrell falls to 4-5, 3-2.

Mountain Empire 30, Rock Academy 22: Chance Ross threw for 150 yards and a touchdown and ran for a score to lead Mountain Empire (7-2, 4-1). Elisha Lashone Robinson rushed for 150 yards and a TD. Zayden Campbell rushed 27 times for 136 yards and two TDs for Rock (4-5, 2-3).

Valley League

Fallbrook 40, Vista 27: Grant Hall had rushing touchdowns of 25, 18, 7 and 1 yard for Fallbrook (3-6, 1-1). Blake Robinson added a 22-yard rushing TD and Teague Lucy had a 65-yard pass reception. For Vista (0-9, 0-2), William Calderon rushed for a score and threw a 50-yard TD pass to Aadyn Thomasson. Jacob Hirt threw a 36-yarder to Celestino Viseio for a score. Broc Schweikhard had a 20-yard rushing TD.

Westview 27, Rancho Buena Vista 16: Josh Haney and Charles Klinghammer scored rushing touchdowns for Westview (5-4, 2-0). RBV is 5-4, 1-1.

Western League

Scripps Ranch 45, University City 21: Malachi Sayles led Scripps Ranch (5-4, 2-0) with 221 yards and four touchdowns. Parker Armstrong threw a 74-yard TD pass to Jackson Rochet and Kasen Mendex had a 52-yard interception return for a TD. University City falls to 5-4, 0-2.

Nonleague

Victory Christian Academy 23, Orange Glen 13: Gabriel Aguirre led Victory Christian with 137 rushing yards, Chato Garcia threw for 78 yards and Victory Christian improved to 4-5. Mitch Gerdes had 13 tackles, while Ben Cardona had 10 tackles and four sacks. Orange Glen is 1-7.