Southern California Passing Tournament Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were tons of passing tournaments throughout Southern California this past weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission Viejo, San Clemente, Torrance and Baldwin Park each won major tournaments on Saturday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some highlights from each event:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SOUTH COUNTY CLASSIC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mission Viejo beat Mater Dei in the championship game of the South County Classic at Mission Viejo High. Both teams were missing some high-level players as were many other schools at the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Diablos quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1000890' first='Luke' last='Fahey'] was widely regarded as the MVP of the day and earned high praise from the OC Register, LA Times and 247Sports. Fahey had five touchdown passes in the championship game against Mater Dei and will announce his commitment later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mission Viejo QB [player_tooltip player_id='1000890' first='Luke' last='Fahey'] with a dime down the seam, Diablos up on Mater Dei early in Final, he's set to make his college choice July 3 <a href="https://t.co/H7vpo2Ohd1">pic.twitter.com/H7vpo2Ohd1</a></p>&mdash; Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregBiggins/status/1939079463410770196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission Viejo was missing its top receiver, but got big contributions from junior receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1197564' first='Jack' last='Junker'], <strong>Carson Vandermade</strong>, sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1622362' first='Hayden' last='Koo']</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1382575' first='Luke' last='Karby']. Running back <strong>Davonte Curtis </strong>catches a ton of balls out of the backfield and showed his high-level route running at the Under Armour Next camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Showed what we can do today against the best of the best! <a href="https://twitter.com/missionfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@missionfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/diablocjohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@diablocjohnson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Jacobbsmithh_40?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jacobbsmithh_40</a> <a href="https://t.co/SYKqUGidi0">https://t.co/SYKqUGidi0</a></p>&mdash; 3⭐️ [player_tooltip player_id='1197564' first='Jack' last='Junker'] (@jackjunker10) <a href="https://twitter.com/jackjunker10/status/1939101488946782474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Santa Margarita transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1621228' first='Jordan' last='Hicks'] answered the question of who will play corner opposite Washington commit [player_tooltip player_id='283628' first='Jeron' last='Jones']. Mission Viejo coaches mentioned that Hicks had the best defensive performance of the day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mission Viejo's other CB! <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanHicksss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JordanHicksss</a> stepping up <a href="https://t.co/nk8FppP8Gw">pic.twitter.com/nk8FppP8Gw</a></p>&mdash; Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/1939072631850049793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Mater Dei reached the finals despite missing some top players. Both quarterbacks [player_tooltip player_id='1284693' first='Ryan' last='Hopkins'] (Wisconsin commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='1197560' first='Furian' last='Inferrera'] (Minnesota commit) got significant playing time for the Monarchs. Both have big arms and can fit the ball into tight windows. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1288075' first='Gavin' last='Honore'] was making plays all over the field and can catch defensive backs turning with his ability to change speeds during the route. USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='401316' first='Mark' last='Bowman'] showed that he is the top tight end in the nation and has the strength of a lineman and the speed of a receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- San Juan Hills reached the round of eight and quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='283687' first='Timmy' last='Herr'] shined even though his game translates better when the pads come on because of his ability to run the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1639259' first='Luke' last='Frith'] is one of my favorite junior receivers in the area and can cause matchup problems with his athleticism. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1858610' first='Ryan' last='Matheson']</strong> played well at receiver for the Stallions and running back <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296204' first='Elijah' last='Ayala']</strong> can make plays in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On fourth down, San Juan Hills ties things up at 7-7 after the receiver makes an amazing 1-handed catch. Wow. <a href="https://t.co/tuQiiN7jyb">pic.twitter.com/tuQiiN7jyb</a></p>&mdash; Teran Rodriguez (@TeranRodriguez1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeranRodriguez1/status/1939012957796794864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Newport Harbor had a quarterback transfer in but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1742014' first='Jake' last='Meer']</strong> had a big day and seems to have cemented himself as the team's starter. <strong>Matt Yamakawa</strong>, <strong>Jackson Stremick</strong> and <strong>Shane McKibbin</strong> were top targets for Meer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/NHTarsFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHTarsFootball</a> back in action against San Juan Hills.<a href="https://twitter.com/jake_meer4?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jake_meer4</a> finds Shane McKibbon for the score as the Sailors lead 7-0. <a href="https://t.co/KG84FPGenp">pic.twitter.com/KG84FPGenp</a></p>&mdash; Teran Rodriguez (@TeranRodriguez1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeranRodriguez1/status/1939012188800458886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Crean Lutheran was missing its starting quarterback but incoming freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1702672' first='Lucas' last='Wong'] </strong>looked like he could step in and start for a lot of schools right now. Wong was poised, can spin it with anyone and has a quick release. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Crean Lutheran freshman QB [player_tooltip player_id='1702672' first='Lucas' last='Wong'] has great pocket presence. Fun matchup with him and Huntington Beach's [player_tooltip player_id='415341' first='Brady' last='Edmunds'] right now. <a href="https://t.co/kSqrv5XELu">pic.twitter.com/kSqrv5XELu</a></p>&mdash; Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) <a href="https://twitter.com/thebenroyer/status/1939023637811740735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- La Habra took Mater Dei down to the wire in a pool play matchup and to nobody's surprise, quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='765936' first='DJ' last='Mitchell'] was excellent throughout the day. He's an excellent athlete who makes the right reads and has a high ceiling. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557449' first='Blake' last='Rogers'] </strong>will be Mitchell's top target but <strong>Bryce Vasquez</strong> had some big plays on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Schurr was a late addition to the event replacing Santa Margarita. The Spartans were coming off a win at the SGV shootout a few weeks before and was impressive hanging with higher-caliber programs. Schurr, led by freshman quarterback <strong>Jacob Torres</strong>, reached the quarterfinals and lost to Mission Viejo. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BRAVE 8 INVITATIONAL</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Clemente won the Brave 8 Invitational, beating hosts St. John Bosco in the championship game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>According to coach <strong>Jaime Ortiz</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='661909' first='Jaxson' last='Rex'] was the MVP of the day on both sides of the ball for San Clemente. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1758285' first='Eiler' last='King']</strong> threw the game-winning touchdown pass to tight end <strong>Shane Kiley</strong>. Senior linebacker <strong>Damien Martinez</strong> had two interceptions for the Tritons against Bosco.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A few of my plays from the Brave 8 tournament. <a href="https://twitter.com/Tritonfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tritonfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dylanbradley_13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dylanbradley_13</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PGregorian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PGregorian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GregBiggins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregBiggins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadSimmons_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChadSimmons_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonHuffman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrandonHuffman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a> <a href="https://t.co/nXMfCWGUK0">pic.twitter.com/nXMfCWGUK0</a></p>&mdash; Jaxson (@jaxson_rex14) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaxson_rex14/status/1939739360716627987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">👀 ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Tritonfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tritonfootball</a>⁩ for the win and title v St. John Bosco at the Brave 8!<br><br>⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/EilerKing15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EilerKing15</a>⁩ ➡️ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/shane_kiley2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shane_kiley2</a>⁩ Big win for ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/SCHSTritons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SCHSTritons</a>⁩, who also beat Braves in pool play <a href="https://t.co/LQ1Y6kReOg">pic.twitter.com/LQ1Y6kReOg</a></p>&mdash; Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy/status/1939175121471869128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CLASH OF CHAMPIONS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Torrance beat Orange in the championship game of the Clash of Champions passing tournament at Troy High in Fullerton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>According to coach <strong>Raymond Carter</strong>, defensive back <strong>Royce Gibbs</strong> got the game-clinching interception in overtime of the championship game. Junior <strong>Gibson Turner</strong> led the Tartars to a 7-0 day and threw to receivers <strong>Elias Emerson, Isaac Mora, Gibbs</strong> and running backs<strong> Keason Pressley</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1605660' first='Vaughn' last='Reinert']</strong>. Many of those players played defensive back as well along with junior <strong>Colin Tucker</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">7v7 CHAMPS!!!<br>7-0<br>10 TD<br>2 int <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRayCarter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRayCarter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBergeski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisBergeski</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithFranklinII?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeithFranklinII</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DarianLH3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DarianLH3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRenoYale?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachRenoYale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachBojorquez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachBojorquez</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHC_CoachLew?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheHC_CoachLew</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachprice80?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachprice80</a> <a href="https://t.co/4wktRuzBPw">pic.twitter.com/4wktRuzBPw</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1605660' first='Vaughn' last='Reinert'] (@VaughnReinert) <a href="https://twitter.com/VaughnReinert/status/1939814583696310566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great job by the guys today winning Troy high school Clash of Champions tournament going 7-0 on this hot day! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALLIN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALLIN</a>🏁 <a href="https://t.co/eDGldYUjYB">pic.twitter.com/eDGldYUjYB</a></p>&mdash; Raymond Carter (@CoachRayCarter) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachRayCarter/status/1939121776463937990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Orange reached the finals of the tournament in what coach <strong>Robert Pedroza</strong> described as a "collective effort." Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1204832' first='Star' last='Thomas III'] is a strong lefty who can throw off-platform and looks like he's added some size this offseason. Orange was a very young team last season and has a lot of those guys back after an offseason in the weight room.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last weekend's 7s Tournament. <a href="https://twitter.com/Orangepantherf1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Orangepantherf1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_coachchambers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_coachchambers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDanny10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDanny10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachjudeoliva1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachjudeoliva1</a> <a href="https://t.co/qVcIjVruKf">pic.twitter.com/qVcIjVruKf</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1204832' first='Star' last='Thomas III'] (@StarThomasIII) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarThomasIII/status/1939902380373340273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Orange's Foxtrot League foe Aliso Niguel had a solid day and lost to Orange in the quarterfinals. Sophomore receiver <strong>Brody Blasing</strong> had a really strong day according to coach <strong>Mike Calahan</strong> and is a sophomore to keep an eye on. Another sophomore <strong>Brandon Levine</strong> made some nice contested catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7on7 clips from this week. Excited for this upcoming season! <a href="https://twitter.com/coachcalahan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachcalahan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aliso_football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliso_football</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AidenQB2028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AidenQB2028</a> <a href="https://t.co/ydFWDxvGPl">pic.twitter.com/ydFWDxvGPl</a></p>&mdash; Brandon Levine (@Brandon_Levine1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brandon_Levine1/status/1940483773185003601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Hosts Troy had a decent day and split two games with eventual quarterfinalist Cypress. Troy has another big tight end in [player_tooltip player_id='1702697' first='Hudson' last='Ploog'] who recently got his first offer from San Diego State. <strong>Luke Dolmat</strong> is a strong two-way player to keep an eye on per coach <strong>Michael Echaves</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great first day at SDSU camp with <a href="https://twitter.com/ThsWarriorfball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThsWarriorfball</a> <a href="https://t.co/TLaD4n1wvN">pic.twitter.com/TLaD4n1wvN</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1702697' first='Hudson' last='Ploog'] (@HudsonPloog) <a href="https://twitter.com/HudsonPloog/status/1934036485415772537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"></h2> <!-- /wp:heading -->