Huntley’s Week 5 Picks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each week I pick and break down seven of the top games in Southern California. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had a nice week last week going 5-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week five is a light week with a lot of Southern Section teams taking byes before beginning league play next week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LA JOLLA VS. POINT LOMA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Point Loma is 4-0 and coming off two dominant wins over Scripps Ranch and Eastlake. [player_tooltip player_id='1576824' first='Henry' last='Heuser'] and <strong>Ryder Watson</strong> split time at quarterback for the Pointers and each had three touchdown passes last week. [player_tooltip player_id='1642916' first='Romeo' last='Carter'] is a lengthy receiver that can cause matchup problems and sophomore <strong>Tanner Spradling</strong> is on the rise. La Jolla is on a three-game winning streak and has played a tougher schedule than Point Loma. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='780751' first='Hudson' last='Smith']</strong> threw for 283 yards with two touchdowns against Grossmont last week and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1183000' first='Carson' last='Diehl']</strong> is one of the best receivers in San Diego. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Point Loma</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Playmaker of the Week brought to you by <a href="https://twitter.com/AthleteMogul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AthleteMogul</a> , Highlighting the top Wide Out performance from this past week . Our week 1 winner is <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeoCarter08?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RomeoCarter08</a> from Point Loma he had 7 catches for 236 Yards and 3 Touchdowns as the Pointers defeated Del Norte . <a href="https://t.co/3sErw8FS6q">pic.twitter.com/3sErw8FS6q</a></p>&mdash; San Diego Football (@Daygofootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daygofootball/status/1960854536744263798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CORONA DEL MAR VS. TRABUCO HILLS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corona del Mar is 4-0 for the first time in a few years and has a stronger defense than it gets credit for. [player_tooltip player_id='283596' first='Cash' last='Pearsall'] leads the Sea Kings in tackles with 23 and <strong>Damian Zeno-Herrera</strong> gets into the backfield from the defensive line. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1715179' first='Brady' last='Annett']</strong> is averaging 228 passing yards per game with 16 touchdowns and just four interceptions. <strong>Garrett James</strong> is a strong deep threat at receiver and [player_tooltip player_id='1000923' first='Dorsett' last='Stecker'] gets a lot of targets. <strong>Jackson Verplancke</strong> had a breakout game at quarterback for Trabuco Hills last week with 296 yards and six touchdowns in a win over Brea Olinda. Corona del Mar ran the ball well against Trabuco Hills last season and may try to do so again this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Corona del Mar</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Garrett James goes one-handed (again) to beat the coverage for a Sea King touchdown! <a href="https://t.co/dgR0JqKaC6">pic.twitter.com/dgR0JqKaC6</a></p>&mdash; CDM Football (@CDMFOOTBALL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDMFOOTBALL/status/1968436610825121827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GRANITE HILLS VS. CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cathedral Catholic is 4-0 and looks like a lock to be in the San Diego Section Open Division playoffs. [player_tooltip player_id='1000878' first='Brady' last='Palmer'] has completed 72 percent of his passes for 221 yards with nine touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. The Dons have playmakers at the skill spots with <strong>isaiah Cook</strong>, <strong>Parker Johnson</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1197204' first='Honor' last='Faalave']. Granite Hills is on a two-game losing streak but has played a much more challenging schedule than Cathedral Catholic. [player_tooltip player_id='691923' first='Zachary' last='Benitez'] is a high-volume passer who throws for a ton of yards but also is prone to turnovers recently. [player_tooltip player_id='992793' first='Noah' last='Walker'] is a top receiver in San Diego and <strong>DJ Wilkins</strong> is a potential big play threat. This game was a blowout last season and I think Granite Hills is slightly worse than it was last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Cathedral Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Couldn't do it without Jesus. Here are some highlights from week 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/parker6johnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parker6johnson</a> balled out!!<a href="https://twitter.com/Daygofootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Daygofootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KUSIPPR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KUSIPPR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonHuffman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrandonHuffman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GetSportsFocus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GetSportsFocus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CalFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/spsEH038iG">pic.twitter.com/spsEH038iG</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1000878' first='Brady' last='Palmer'] (@bradypalmerqb) <a href="https://twitter.com/bradypalmerqb/status/1963461940132585834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MISSION VIEJO VS. CHAPARRAL</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral is playing a very difficult schedule and finally got an easy win last week against Great Oak. The Pumas have scored at least 35 points in every game this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1611225' first='Dane' last='Weber'] has completed 76 percent of his passes for 323 yards per game with 14 touchdowns and one interception. Weber has five rushing touchdowns and [player_tooltip player_id='1197277' first='Trevor' last='Schneider'] averages 115 rushing yards per game with three touchdowns. Weber spreads the ball around well but <strong>Michael "Kiko" Farinas</strong> is the top target. Mission Viejo stumbled on the road against McCallie of Tennessee last week. Ohio State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1000890' first='Luke' last='Fahey'] threw his first interception since his sophomore year. <strong>Kane Nolte</strong> had a big game on defense and has been in the backfield all season. [player_tooltip player_id='283692' first='Vance' last='Spafford'] returned at receiver and I expect him to have a big game against Chaparral.</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">Mid season stat's and weight room gains 23 catches 413 yards 5 td 602 “APY” can play in side out side KR,PR. <a href="https://t.co/fOY2rU1Aq9">pic.twitter.com/fOY2rU1Aq9</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1198367' first='Michael' last='“Kiko” Farinas'] jr (@FarinasAka1) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarinasAka1/status/1970170994993332373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>MURRIETA VALLEY VS. SAN CLEMENTE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murrieta Valley has had an excellent season with the only blemish being a loss to Servite. [player_tooltip player_id='573157' first='Daniel' last='Mielke II'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717673' first='Ty' last='Isaia']</strong> are splitting reps at quarterback and <strong>Jeremiah Watson</strong> has been dominating in the run game. [player_tooltip player_id='401237' first='Derrick' last='Johnson II'] is the top target and <strong>Julian Treadwell</strong> is a good red zone threat. San Clemente has played a tough schedule and is coming off a nice win against Chino Hills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1758285' first='Eiler' last='King']</strong> has been averaging 213 passing yards per game with nine touchdowns. [player_tooltip player_id='661909' first='Jaxson' last='Rex'] is one of the more underrated juniors in Southern California anf <strong>Shane Kiley</strong> is a prototypical San Clemente tight end. <strong>Patrick Norman</strong> is a strong edge rusher but San Clemente's defense needs to force more turnovers.</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">A few highlights from Friday night's game last week. <a href="https://twitter.com/mattglogowski3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mattglogowski3</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_EhornJr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_EhornJr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach_Bontrager?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach_Bontrager</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachDJohnson23?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachDJohnson23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MVNighthawkFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MVNighthawkFB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PrepRedzone?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrepRedzone</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAMSportsTalk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAMSportsTalk</a> <a href="https://t.co/As11LEeAmT">pic.twitter.com/As11LEeAmT</a></p>&mdash; Jeremiah the juice watson (@jeremiah_juice) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeremiah_juice/status/1967857423978467819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>EL TORO VS. ALISO NIGUEL</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>El Toro has been playing well since its opening night loss to Tesoro. [player_tooltip player_id='1508966' first='Wyatt' last='Nucci'] is averaging 223 yards per game with eight touchdowns and [player_tooltip player_id='1149011' first='Makya' last='Chee'] has eight rushing touchdowns. <strong>Akillies Segura</strong> can cause havoc in the backfield on defense and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738805' first='Matthew' last='Arroyo'] </strong>has two interceptions. Aliso Niguel won last week against Pacifica but the game was closer than expected. [player_tooltip player_id='797092' first='Carter' last='Vestermark'] is averaging 233 yards per game and has nine touchdowns but five interceptions. [player_tooltip player_id='1602212' first='Dane' last='Malloy'] is a seedy deep threat at receiver. Aliso Niguel does force turnovers on defense and <strong>Carson Etnire</strong> is a corner to keep an eye on. This game is a toss up and I think El Toro can run the ball a bit against Aliso.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>El Toro</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Senior season: 3 Game Highlight Reel<br>current stats: 48 carries 296 rushing yds (6.2 avg), 32 receiving yds, 6 TDs <a href="https://twitter.com/Sean_Reeder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sean_Reeder</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisBergeski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisBergeski</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ETfootball1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ETfootball1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ocvarsity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ocvarsity</a> <a href="https://t.co/SLs39GxyU5">https://t.co/SLs39GxyU5</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='1149011' first='Makya' last='Chee'] (@makyachee02) <a href="https://twitter.com/makyachee02/status/1967827655648248226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BISHOP GORMAN VS. SANTA MARGARITA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Gorman suffered its first loss of the season last week in a close game against Mater Dei. [player_tooltip player_id='917750' first='Maika' last='Eugenio'] threw for 295 yards with two touchdowns and [player_tooltip player_id='212379' first='Massiah' last='Mingo'] had 133 yards receiving on five catches. [player_tooltip player_id='1173839' first='Jett' last='Washington'] had an interception and [player_tooltip player_id='940635' first='Tamatoa' last='Gaoteote']<strong> </strong>had 16 tackles with a sack. Santa Margarita had a very impressive overtime win over Centennial a few weeks ago and had some easy wins since then. [player_tooltip player_id='1705993' first='Trace' last='Johnson'] has completed 71 percent of his passes for 197 yards with seven touchdowns. Santa Margarita has an excellent defense led by linebackers [player_tooltip player_id='283606' first='Dash' last='Fifita'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1553136' first='Leki' last='Holani']. [player_tooltip player_id='977697' first='Ca'ron' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='283622' first='Jayden' last='Crowder'] are very good corners and [player_tooltip player_id='1288067' first='Logan' last='Hirou'] patrols a lot of the field at safety. These are two top ten teams in the nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The pick: </strong>Bishop Gorman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Same time next year between Bishop Gorman and Mater Dei? <br><br>That game was fun 🍿 <a href="https://t.co/pcFnh0RcaJ">pic.twitter.com/pcFnh0RcaJ</a></p>&mdash; Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport/status/1969521535347278067?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HUNTLEY'S SEASON RECORD:&nbsp;</strong>22-13</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->