Huntley’s Week 0 Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week I will pick and break down seven of the top games in Southern California. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at some of the best games this week:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SERRA VS. PALOS VERDES</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Palos Verdes made a state championship run last season and returns some key players from that team. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='709444' first='Ryan' last='Rakowski'] completed 65 percent of his passes for 2809 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns last season. <strong>Morley Boyd</strong> is back as the leading receiver and <strong>Andrew Habif</strong> is back as the top rusher. Palos Verdes' four top tacklers are back, including sophomore linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1621252' first='Weston' last='Reis']. [player_tooltip player_id='1611317' first='Joshua' last='Williams'] had 21.5 tackles for a loss, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. [player_tooltip player_id='1686063' first='Jalen' last='Flowers'] is one of the top sophomore defensive backs in the state and was excellent at the National Preps Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Serra has one of the best defenses in the Southern Section with 10 guys with offers from Division 1 schools. The Cavaliers have a great trio of defensive backs: [player_tooltip player_id='283646' first='Marcellous' last='Ryan'] (North Carolina), [player_tooltip player_id='1361614' first='DeVohn' last='Moutra'] (Sacramento State) and [player_tooltip player_id='408802' first='Duvay' last='Williams'] (5-star junior). Edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='780328' first='Khary' last='Wilder'] is committed to Ohio State and is arguably the top edge guy in the state. The offense doesn't have a lot back but expect to see some of those top skill guys playing both ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Serra</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cali to Chapel Hill 🤫 Go Heels! 🐏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TarHeelNation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TarHeelNation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Ballhawk__8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ballhawk__8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Belichick_B?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Belichick_B</a> <a href="https://t.co/Idn7YlpOI1">pic.twitter.com/Idn7YlpOI1</a></p>&mdash; Marcellous “Yellobeezy” Ryan (@marcellousryan3) <a href="https://twitter.com/marcellousryan3/status/1934813560498196571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ST. PAUL VS. BISHOP AMAT</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Amat had one of its worst seasons in recent school-history in 2024 and made some big changes with a new coaching staff and plethora of transfers. Eisenhower transfer <strong>Brayden Wann</strong> is expected to the the team's starter at quarterback and Orange Lutheran transfers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197565' first='Kanan' last='Khansarinia']</strong> and <strong>Isaac Ash</strong> are expected to be top receivers along with Orange transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1197595' first='Gianni' last='Porfilio']. Utah Tech commit [player_tooltip player_id='401270' first='Justin' last='Jones'] is back at corner for the Lancers. St. Paul dominated the line of scrimmage in this game last year so linemen like [player_tooltip player_id='1698924' first='Cody' last='Tuitoelau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1698967' first='Brian' last='Borjon'] will need to have big games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. Paul has a lot back including quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='338540' first='Gabriel' last='Castaneda'] and running back <strong>Marley Luatua</strong>. The offensive line is experienced and led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1203399' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1203247' first='Anthony' last='']' last='Magana']</strong>. The Swordsmen added receivr <strong>Gavin Lannon</strong> from Damien. This is a big game for Amat at home with its new coaching staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Bishop Amat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ONBLUE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ONBLUE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NEW3RA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NEW3RA</a> <a href="https://t.co/KmhQxUIoUo">pic.twitter.com/KmhQxUIoUo</a></p>&mdash; Bishop Amat Football (@amat_football) <a href="https://twitter.com/amat_football/status/1902067218546114982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SERVITE VS. CENTENNIAL</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Servite was outstanding against non-Trinity League teams last season but they didn't play a team like Centennial. The Friars have the offensive line to compete with Centennial led by [player_tooltip player_id='958796' first='Elisha' last='Mueller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1021360' first='Keiden' last='Lokeni'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1686164' first='Jaden' last='Rasic']. Nebraska commit [player_tooltip player_id='1183031' first='Luke' last='Sorensen'] is an excellent blocking tight end and will be a big target for new quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1717982' first='Kalé' last='Murphy']. It will be interesting to see how new offensive weapon [player_tooltip player_id='1698851' first='Benjamin' last='Harris'] is used. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominick Catalano</strong> is is getting his chance to run Centennial's offense this year and running back [player_tooltip player_id='1514780' first='Braylin' last='Drake'] is back after suffering an injury for the latter part of last season. [player_tooltip player_id='1000977' first='Tyler' last='George'] will lead the receiving corps with highly-coveted tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598329' first='Keawe' last='Browne']</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='401263' first='Jonathan' last='McKinley'] II leads the defense with [player_tooltip player_id='401249' first='Fifita' last='Kongaloto Tauteoli-Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1000888' first='Kingston' last='Schirmer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='780276' first='Therman' last='Williams']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Centennial</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the most versatile offensive players in the state. <a href="https://twitter.com/BrowneKeawe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrowneKeawe</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CallMeEPJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CallMeEPJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/HqZz4SRdA8">https://t.co/HqZz4SRdA8</a></p>&mdash; Corona Centennial Football (@Cen10Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cen10Football/status/1956373313930064339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>RANCHO CUCAMONGA VS. MURRIETA VALLEY</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rancho Cucamonga has one of the most consistently good quarterbacks in the 2026 class in [player_tooltip player_id='1000930' first='Jacob' last='Chambers'] who averaged 186 yards per game with 18 touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1686178' first='Tyree' last='Wilson']</strong> is expected to be a top receiver this season and ran a 10.66 in the 100 meters. <strong>Darion Fluker</strong> led the defense with five interceptions last season and is back along with UCLA commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1000908' first='Joshua' last='Mensah']</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murrieta Valley may use two quarterbacks: sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717673' first='Ty' last='Isaia'] </strong>who started meaningful games last season and Ontario Christian transfer [player_tooltip player_id='573157' first='Daniel' last='Mielke II']. Offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1361591' first='Elisha' last='Faamatuainu'] is one of the best in the class along with teammates [player_tooltip player_id='1686154' first='Luke' last='Kingman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1183015' first='Caleb' last='Rye']. <strong>Jeremiah Watson </strong>is a name out of the backfield to keep an eye on. Defensively, <strong>Abelardo Leos</strong> led the team in tackles and is back. Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='401237' first='Derrick' last='Johnson II'] leads the secondary along with <strong>Gabriel Lomeli.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Murrieta Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Appreciate all the continued love and graphics <a href="https://twitter.com/LouisvilleFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LouisvilleFB</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fo8aayrZ7O">pic.twitter.com/Fo8aayrZ7O</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='573157' first='Daniel' last='Mielke II'] (@DanielMielkeII) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielMielkeII/status/1936142502819774502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SAN CLEMENTE VS. TUSTIN</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tustin is one of the more talented teams in Orange County, but they haven't played a team of San Clemente's prestige and when they have, they have lost (Yorba Linda last season). But the Tillers are loaded with talent starting with two defensive linemen: [player_tooltip player_id='1197561' first='Jon' last='Ioane'] and [player_tooltip player_id='668740' first='Jeremiah' last='Williams']. Texas commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197214' first='Taven' last='Epps'] flies around the field at linebacker and safety [player_tooltip player_id='1197207' first='Khalil' last='Terry'] was All-County last season. Tustin lost an excellent running back, but sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1455302' first='Ayden' last='Edwards'] may be asked to do more with the offense this year. [player_tooltip player_id='1197319' first='Rufai' last='Azeez'] is a top receiving prospect along with Mission Viejo transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1622362' first='Hayden' last='Koo'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Clemente doesn't have a ton of big names like usual, but they never field a bad team. [player_tooltip player_id='661909' first='Jaxson' last='Rex'] is one of the top two-way players in the county and defensive end <strong>Josh Kerst</strong> can get after the quarterback. <strong>Damian Martinez</strong> is a good safety that can lay big hits. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1758285' first='Eiler' last='King']</strong> is expected to start at quarterback for the Tritons and has a big tight end target in <strong>Shane Kiley</strong>. The offensive line doesn't have big names, but plays well as a unit and [player_tooltip player_id='1635539' first='Scott' last='Johnson'] leads the group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>San Clemente</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Remember the name <a href="https://twitter.com/jaxson_rex14?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jaxson_rex14</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ocvarsityguy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ocvarsityguy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ocvarsity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ocvarsity</a> <a href="https://t.co/bFA3eIIIp5">https://t.co/bFA3eIIIp5</a></p>&mdash; Triton Football (@Tritonfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tritonfootball/status/1952775676274331824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JSERRA VS. SIERRA CANYON</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>JSerra dominated this game last year and it was one of the more shocking results of week zero. The Lions dominated the line of scrimmage and ran for 236 yards with four touchdowns. Much of that was due to a dual-threat quarterback that JSerra doesn't have anymore, but [player_tooltip player_id='1284695' first='Koa' last='Smith-Mayall'] is a quarterback I'm expecting a big year from. [player_tooltip player_id='1598349' first='Jarod' last='Sersansie'] had a big receiving game in this matchup last year and can create mismatches with his size. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567610' first='Devin' last='Davis']</strong> had a sack for the Lions in this game last year and they forced two turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sierra Canyon has kept its quarterback situation close to the vest and could start <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1182944' first='Laird' last='Finkel'] </strong>or <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780346' first='Chase' last='Everett']</strong>. Los Alamitos transfers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221860' first='Jerod' last='Terry Jr'].</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401253' first='Ja'Myron' last='Tron Baker']</strong> are expected to be big parts of the offense along with [player_tooltip player_id='584471' first='Jaxsen' last='Stokes']. [player_tooltip player_id='1717732' first='Lance' last='Ciechanowski'] is a sophomore lineman I'm high on. The defense is one of the best in the state with Texas commit [player_tooltip player_id='1197202' first='Richard' last='Wesley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1182984' first='Mikhal' last='Johnson'] and USC commit [player_tooltip player_id='401223' first='Brandon' last='Lockhart']. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1000953' first='Ronen' last='Zamorano'] was a top tackler at Loyola last year and [player_tooltip player_id='1611209' first='Faruq' last='Muhammad'] has a lot of buzz in the secondary. [player_tooltip player_id='404913' first='Havon' last='Finney Jr.'] is a top junior defensive back and [player_tooltip player_id='401278' first='Madden' last='Riordan'] led the Section in interceptions last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Sierra Canyon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">USC Safety Commit [player_tooltip player_id='401278' first='Madden' last='Riordan'] Picking Up Where he Left Off in 2024 with an Interception ✌🏼<br><br>Sierra Canyon and Centennial Scrimmage <a href="https://twitter.com/On3USC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@On3USC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/maddenriordy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@maddenriordy</a> <a href="https://t.co/n80uVvNTXE">pic.twitter.com/n80uVvNTXE</a></p>&mdash; Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) <a href="https://twitter.com/SSchraderOn3/status/1956166903006945793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MISSION VIEJO VS. SANTA MARGARITA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mission Viejo dominated this game last year and another shocking week zero result. The Diablos forced four turnovers and they have some ball-hawks again in the secondary like Washington commit [player_tooltip player_id='283628' first='Jeron' last='Jones'], Santa Margarita transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1621228' first='Jordan' last='Hicks'] and JSerra transfer <strong>Sawyer Thompson</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='283589' first='Brady' last='Bowman'] is set for a big year at inside linebacker and [player_tooltip player_id='1614528' first='JD' last='Hill'] could lead the Section in sacks. Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1000890' first='Luke' last='Fahey'] is finally the full time starter at quarterback and had three touchdowns against Santa Margarita last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Santa Margarita has a new offensive coaching staff and a new quarterback in Tulane commit [player_tooltip player_id='1705993' first='Trace' last='Johnson']. [player_tooltip player_id='283690' first='Trent' last='Mosley'] will get over 10 targets in this game and the offensive line, led by Arizona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1182949' first='Niniva' last='Nicholson'] will lead the offensive line. The Eagles' defense has nearly everyone back and one of the top secondaries in the Section led by UCLA commit [player_tooltip player_id='1288067' first='Logan' last='Hirou'], Cal commit [player_tooltip player_id='283622' first='Jayden' last='Crowder'] and top sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='977697' first='Ca'ron' last='Williams']. Linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='283606' first='Dash' last='Fifita'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1553136' first='Leki' last='Holani'] will have a lot of tackles this year and defensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id='283645' first='Manoah' last='Faupusa'] will cause matchup problems in the trenches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Mission Viejo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mission Viejo opens the season led by Miami 4⭐ commit [player_tooltip player_id='283692' first='Vance' last='Spafford'] against Trinity League rival Santa Margarita 🏈 <br><br>Tune in Friday at 7:00pm PT to watch Mission Viejo in the MaxPreps Game of the Week ⬇️ <br><br>MaxPreps: <a href="https://t.co/loDfkPPBQI">https://t.co/loDfkPPBQI</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://t.co/tQYMuzZeYy">https://t.co/tQYMuzZeYy</a> <a href="https://t.co/9U9xSDqYRh">pic.twitter.com/9U9xSDqYRh</a></p>&mdash; MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxPreps/status/1958525463732621437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html -->