Rios, Pearsall Guide 8th Grade So. Cal to Championship Week
The stage was set as both teams cruised through their first-round matchup in impressive fashion, with both teams overwhelming an overmatched Irvine team. This game was filled with over 20 future power 5 conference athletes. A big and powerful Utah team versus a balanced well-oiled veteran So. Cal team. So. Cal came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. On paper an even matchup became a one-sided affair fairly quickly, as So. Cal jumped out to a 27 to 6 lead going into the half. The So. Cal offensive line gave running backs Cash Pearsall and Victor Santino the space to gash the Utah defense for quality runs. They also provided Oscar Rios with the time to distribute the ball to weapons on the outside, including stud receiver Madden Williams Madden Williams 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR St John Bosco | 2026 State CA .
The dominant defensive performance for So. Cal continued into the 2nd half as they continued to stall the power run game of Utah, holding them to minimal gains at the start of the 3rd quarter. So. Cal’s #22 Cash Pearsall came up with an interception to put an end to Utah’s first drive. Three plays later Rios capitalized with a 37 yards scamper on an RPO, giving So. Cal the 33 to 6 lead. Which would end up being our final score, as cornerback Jayden Crowder secured two 4th quarter interceptions to close out the game.
This 8th grade So. Cal team, is big, strong and fast with the talent to go be a problem when they arrive in Naples. A roster filled with over 20 future Trinity League athletes, they will be a contender during championship week.
Contributed special to PRZ Next by Steven Thompson