vs 
SFHSResults
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Ignatius | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| SFHS | 7 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
St. Francis Lancers Defeat St. Ignatius Wildcats in Emotional WCAL Showdown
By GetSportsFocus
Mountain View, CA — October 24, 2025
It was a rematch of the 2024 CCS Open Division Finals — same storied programs, different circumstances. No rain this time, a lighter crowd at Ron Calcagno Stadium, but the energy and purpose were unmistakable. Both teams entered the night 2–5, searching for a statement win in WCAL play.
From the opening whistle, St. Francis showed poise, pride, and passion — delivering a complete performance that ended in both triumph and reflection.
OTEIZA’S 88-YARD RETURN IGNITES THE LANCERS
Special teams set the tone early. Senior Dom Oteiza (#3) fielded a punt, followed his blocks, and sprinted 88 yards to the house to give the Lancers a 7–0 lead.
“88-YARD PUNT RETURN TD BY OTEIZA PUT ST. FRANCIS UP 7-0 OVER SI. THE PLAY SET THE TONE FOR THE LANCERS’ 28-7 WIN OVER ST. IGNATIUS.”
The explosive play earned Oteiza the GSF Weekly Special Teams Player of the Week honor.
Junior Uate Pifeleti (#24) delivered the key block that opened the lane.
WELCOME BACK, CAEDON AFSHARIPOUR
St. Ignatius senior quarterback Caedon Afsharipour (#10) returned from injury for the first time since Week 2 and immediately faced pressure from the St. Francis front. On a first-drive flea-flicker, Afsharipour was hit hard as he released a deep pass — a penalty on the play may have prevented six points.
To his credit, Afsharipour returned two plays later, completing a sideline pass to Elijah Farrah (#18) before the Wildcats were forced to punt.
CUMBY AND KEANAAINA LEAD THE CHARGE
Sophomore quarterback Drew Cumby (#10) showed confidence and composure all game. After scooping a low snap off the turf, he connected with senior Aaron Bonini (#12) for a first down.
The Wildcats’ defense countered with a highlight of their own — Samiu Langi (#55) stopped Kaimani Keanaaina (#4)for no gain, and Zui Shelton (#3) picked off Cumby, racing down the sideline before being forced out by Motu Keanaaina (#11) in a key hustle play.
Moments later, the Lancers’ defense flipped momentum. Senior Sefania Alatini (#32) intercepted a pass at the in the end zone, denying an SI touchdown.
99-YARD DRIVE OF DOMINANCE
The ensuing possession was pure St. Francis football — 12 plays, 99 yards of balance and power. Motu Keanaaina carried the load, pounding through the line, while Alatini made a clutch third-and-13 grab to keep the drive alive. Motu capped it off with a short touchdown run.
Kicker Lukas Vaughn (#80) hit the PAT to make it 14–0.
The Lancers kept attacking — Cumby launched a 50-yard bomb to Bonini, then hit Sean Walsh (#14) to set up another short scoring run by Motu. By halftime, it was 28–0, and the Lancers were in full control.
WILDCATS FIGHT BACK
In the third quarter, Cole Molinari (#29) sparked St. Ignatius with a long yardage gain. Luke Tribolet (#21) picked up valuable yardage on the ground, and Afsharipour found Shelton for the Wildcats’ lone touchdown, cutting the deficit to 28–7.
Later, Jack Farrell (#0) hauled in a big first-down grab, but the Lancers defense stood tall. Senior Judah Reed (#58)made a fourth-and-one stop, halting the Wildcats’ momentum.
DEFENSE AND BROTHERHOOD
The Lancers’ defense closed out the game in dominant fashion. Pifeleti (#24) continued to make plays out in the open, while Sean McCoy (#7) recorded a key sack. Sophomore Riley Barton (#20) added a highlight catch late in the fourth to keep the offense humming.
With just under two minutes remaining, junior lineman David Hall (#68) went down with an injury, silencing the stadium. Both teams gathered at midfield to pray as medical personnel tended to him.
The game was called early out of respect.
On Sunday morning, St. Francis head coach Greg Calcagno shared this update with GetSportsFocus:
“David’s tests came back negative, and he went home this morning, according to his Mom.”
FINAL: ST. FRANCIS 28, ST. IGNATIUS 7
St. Francis improved to 3–5, showing flashes of its championship pedigree. St. Ignatius dropped to 2–6 but displayed grit and class throughout.
For the Lancers, the night represented more than a win — it was a testament to resilience, faith, and brotherhood.
GSF ALL-STAR REMINDER
The 4th Annual GSF Anti-Bullying & Suicide Prevention Senior All-Star Game is set for Monday, December 29.
Open to all senior starters with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Girls Flag nominations close this Wednesday, while football nominations remain open through the end of the regular season.
Nominate your athlete now at GetSportsFocus.com.