October 10, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

OC football teams experience upsets and milestone victories in round one of CIF playoffs

(Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Week one of the CIF high school football playoffs, featuring the competitive formula from CalPreps ratings, produced some close games and upsets for Orange County teams:

…. Crean Lutheran High School’s football team went on a long road trip and pulled off a 37-21 victory over Hart in the Division 6 opener to advance into the quarterfinals, again on the road at Simi Valley.

…. Orange High School’s football team was the only team from the Orange Coast League to survive week one. The Panthers defeated Diamond Bar 19-12 to advance into Friday’s quarterfinals at Fred Kelly Stadium vs. Rio Hondo Prep. Santa Ana (OT) and St. Margaret’s lost on the road and Estancia fell to Baldwin Park 23-14.

…. Irvine’s football team, No. 2-seeded in Division 10, was stunned 28-6 at home by Jurupa Hills, which came in 4-6 but had prepared for the rigors of the CIF playoffs with a tough schedule.

…. Beckman’s football team was the only squad from the Pacific Coast Conference to win. Coach Marcello Giuliano’s Patriots defeated Capo Valley Christian 14-9 and will be home for the playoffs Friday vs. West Covina. Since the Patriots and Foothill share Tustin High School, Beckman will play at another location, possibly Irvine Stadium, according to Athletic Director Steve Fischel.

…. Troy’s football team defeated Monrova 41-28 Friday night in Division 9 football playoff game. The victory was Troy’s first in the CIF playoffs in 17 seasons, reported Jim McCormack, covering for OC Sports Zone. The Warriors will host Santa Monica Friday night at Fullerton.

…. Tustin, which had an undefeated regular season, lost to Warren in a wild 34-33 Division 3 game at Tustin Friday night. Warren quarterback Madden Iamaleava threw for 468 yards and five touchdowns passes as the Bears held off the Tillers comeback.

…. In a high scoring CIF Division 14 opener, Ocean View defeated Bolsa Grande 35-21 for its first CIF playoff victory since 2011. The Seahawks, coached by Daniel Hernandez, host Bell Gardens on Friday.

…. Western, led by quarterback Anthony Luna had a solid win on the road, defeating Colony 42-14 in Division 5. Luna has thrown for 114 career touchdowns and almost 9,000 yards in his career. Coach Dan Davidson’s Pioneers are home Friday to host Apple Valley.

…. Aaron Mitchell had a strong game for Foothill, leading the Knights to a victory in the CIF Division 5 playoffs Thursday night at Tustin. Foothill hosts Newbury Park Friday night.

….. Segerstrom’s football team lost to top-seeded Torrance on the road Friday night and finished the season 6-5.

…. In Division 2, Mission Viejo, Los Alamitos and Servite all won openers.

…. Laguna Hills and Laguna Beach were among the Orange County teams who brought home CIF titles last season. But both teams dropped their CIF playoff openers last week. Northwood, which was also a CIF champion, did not qualify for the playoffs after finishing 4-6 overall.

On to round two!

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—Tim Burt, Tom Connolly, Jim McCormack and Alex Suarez