SCV High School Football Week 3 Preview

After another football-filled week, many teams are still trying to groove as they head into week three.

Thus far in the Foothill League, Golden Valley has the best record at 2-0, while Valencia is still trying to get its first win during its preseason run.

Golden Valley (2-0) VS. Lancaster (1-1):

The Grizzlies have been dominant on defense, only giving up a combined 20 points in two games.

The defense line has imposed its strength, tallying six sacks, with senior Jason Acevedo leading the charge with two of his own.

Offensively, the team has found success on the ground with Jameson Torres, who has already rushed for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

Friday night, the Grizzlies’ offense will be tested against Lancaster’s defense, which has been making a name for itself early in the season.

The Eagles have totaled four sacks, 26 tackles for a loss (TFL) and four interceptions. On the flip side, Lancaster’s performance has been respectable, with three touchdowns per game.

The two teams are set to faceoff at Canyon High School on Friday at 7 p.m.

West Ranch (1-1) VS. Antelope Valley (0-2 ):

Last Thursday’s 35-6 win over Cleveland High School was a pivotal game for the Wildcats, putting them back on track after a hard week one matchup against Pacifica.

Quarterback Cooper Jackson had a solid first half, throwing three touchdowns as the team attempted to get back on track.

Charlie Samuelson celebrates with teammates Maddux Lomeli and Andrew Hamilton, after scoring the game’s first touchdown.
Steven Barrera | KHTS

“Cooper Jackson for his first game to go against a team like Pacifica was really tough. I know he was a little down on himself, but we just talked about being positive and coming back out,” said Varner. “I was very happy with how he was able to bounce back. He needed that for confidence.”

The Cats had a near-perfect game on the defense, only giving up one touchdown.

West Ranch has the opportunity to keep the momentum going against
Antelope Valley who lost to Golden Valley 42-6 a week ago.

The two squads are meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. from Valencia High School.

Castaic (1-1) VS San Joaquin Memorial (1-1):

Castaic’s first two games are a complete 180 of how West Ranch started in that the Coyotes began with a bang but fell off in week 2.

In week one, Castaic had a field day through the air and on the ground, gaining 410 all-purpose yards. Then, during week 2, the Coyotes gained 405 all-purpose yards, but over half came from kick return yards.

During the week two match-up against Calabasas, Castaic only scored 12 points while having 48 scored on them.

Within two weeks, there have been two night and day performances from Castaic. Going forward, the boys in orange look to prove that week two was a hiccup and they have a chance to get back on track Friday night against San Joaquin Memorial from Valencia High School.

Saugus (1-1) VS Camarillo (0-2):

Coming off an uncharacteristic 0-10 season, the Centurions have left those memories behind and have been competitive throughout the first two weeks of the season.

The Centurions found themselves in a tough spot in week one, trailing by 3 points on the road as the fourth quarter approached. Buena started the fourth quarter on fire, picking off Saugus and then ran 87 yards for a touchdown to put the game away 27-17.

As the Cents’ lead began to fade, they rallied for a 1-yard rushing touchdown to pull within three points of tying the game.

The Bulldogs, however, showed no signs of surrendering and returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, increasing their lead to 34-24. Saugus wasted no time getting back in the game with an 82-yard touchdown pass, and they put the game away on their following drive with a 47-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 38-34.

In week two , against Oak Park, Saugus found themselves in another close game, but this time around, they couldn’t come back and fell short 32-24.

On Friday, the Centurions have the opportunity to pick up their second win of the season against a Camarillo team that can move the ball but has thrown two interceptions in each of its two games.

If the Cents can capitalize on turnovers and limit their own, Saugus has a solid chance at going 2-1.

Saugus will host Camarillo Friday night from COC’s Cougar Stadium.

Canyon (1-1) VS Cathedral (2-0):

On Friday, the Cowboys will travel to take on the red-hot Cathedral Phantoms.

Cathedral’s offense has been balanced, averaging 28 pass attempts and 25 rushing attempts. In week one, the Phantoms had 355 all-purpose yards and 613 yards in week two.

To stay in the game, Canyon’s defense must step up and make some splash plays. Thus far, they have had glimpses of that with 14 TFLs and six sacks.

If the Cowboys can continue to apply pressure while keeping the Phantoms out of the endzone, Canyon will be in a good position.

To have a shot at upsetting the 64th-ranked Cathedral, the Cowboys’ offense will need to be on point and not put the defense in tough situations by turning the ball over.

Hart (1-1) VS. Paraclete (1-1):

After a tough week one loss to Quartz Hill, the Hawks turned things around in week 2 in a dominant fashion. Hart’s 38-19 win over Burroughs proved that while Hart has made some big changes within the program, they are still a team that plays with passion.

Steven Barrera | KHTS

With momentum and a home-field advantage, the Hawks are looking to soar to another win this Friday against Paraclete.

Valencia (0-2) VS Murrieta Mesa (0-2):

Despite scoring the most points (96) out of every team in the Foothill League, Valencia is still 0-2.

The Vikings have not had an easy preseason, with all of their opponents being ranked in the top 100 football programs in California.

While this week’s challenger, Muirrieta Mesa, is not ranked in the top 100, it is known for its strong program. This season, the Rams have had a slow start, going 0-2 with only 22 points scored.

With a strong offense led by quarterback Brady Bretthauer, a win against Murrieta Mesa is attainable. With a win, the Vikings can ride the momentum into next week’s game against Rancho Cucamonga.

Outside of the Foothill League, Trinity Classical Academy  (2-0) has been on a roll outsourcing teams in the first two weeks, 111-12. The Knights are preparing to keep their momentum going into Friday when they take on the Monroe Vikings.

In 8-man football, Santa Clarita Christian School (1-0) got off to a strong start, beating Santa Clara 43-28. The running game’s 221 yards gained on the ground were a major factor in their victory.

The Cardinals anticipate to replicate their productivity when they face Milken on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Hart High School.

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