Redwood City Rumble: Wildcats Keep the Log

REDWOOD CITY — The annual Redwood City Rumble lived up to its rivalry reputation as the Woodside Wildcats powered past the Sequoia Ravens, 42-14, on Saturday night to keep the rivalry log for another year.

The first quarter was all defense. Sequoia’s Randy Nunez opened the game with an interception, but Woodside’s JJ Lange quickly returned the favor on the next possession. Sequoia struck first when Luke Ostrander connected with Jayden Russi for the opening touchdown, putting the Ravens up 7-0 after one.

The second quarter belonged to the Wildcats. Daniel Torres set up the tying score with an impressive fumble recovery that rolled to the one-yard line, leading to Alex Valencia’s touchdown run. Lange then took over — scoring twice in the quarter to give Woodside a 21-7 halftime lead.

In the third, Lange found Juan Servin on a short pass that turned into six more. The Wildcat defense dominated, with Henry Schwab knocking down passes and Isaac Pech adding an interception. Woodside capitalized again — Charlie Dalrymple hit James Yauch for another touchdown, followed by a late rushing score from Torres to make it 42-7 heading into the fourth.

Sequoia never quit. Ostrander hit tight end Jackson Tetley for a late touchdown, but the Wildcats’ commanding performance secured the 42-14 victory and bragging rights on El Camino.

Woodside (now 6-3) extends its winning streak in the rivalry, while Sequoia (4-5) looks to regroup heading into the final week of the regular season.

GSF Game of the Week

Los Gatos Wildcats Shut Out Menlo Knights 28–0 at Cartan Field

By GetSportsFocus | Coverage by Lucca Mazzie

ATHERTON, Calif. — October 25, 2025 | Cartan Field, Menlo College Campus
Clouds rolled over Cartan Field on a cool Saturday afternoon in Atherton, but the rain stayed away long enough for a statement performance by the Los Gatos Wildcats, who overpowered the previously unbeaten Menlo Knights 28–0.

With the win, Los Gatos improved to 5–3, while Menlo dropped to 7–1. The Wildcats are now one step closer to a league championship, hitting their stride at the perfect time.

---

FIRST HALF: SCHWEITZER AND THE DEFENSE SET THE TONE

From the opening kickoff, Los Gatos made an immediate impact. Andrew Sandoval flew downfield for a tackle that set the tone for a fast, physical night of football.

Quarterback Callum Schweitzer, a 3-star San José State recruit, commanded the offense with balance and confidence. He used short passes and designed runs to keep the defense off-balance, eventually breaking free late in the first quarter for a rushing touchdown — his seventh of the season — to give Los Gatos a 7–0 lead.

The Wildcats’ defense then took over. Hudson Schrader intercepted two passes in the first half, including a critical one in the end zone for a touchback just before halftime that prevented Menlo from tying the game at 7-7. The play shifted momentum completely in favor of Los Gatos.

Menlo’s offense, led by quarterback Jack Freehill and two-way standout Palmer Riley, couldn’t find rhythm against the Wildcats’ relentless front.

Halftime: Los Gatos 7, Menlo 0.

---

SECOND HALF: WILDCATS IN COMPLETE CONTROL

The Wildcats came out of the locker room determined to finish. Behind Devonte Troutt, Grayson Doslak, and Hayden Benjamin, Los Gatos opened the third quarter with a steady ground-and-pound drive that ended in a Benjamin touchdown to extend the lead to 14–0.

Menlo tried to swing momentum with a fake punt, but Troutt read it instantly and stopped it cold.

Moments later, Schweitzer connected with Max Thomas on a slant route for a 24-yard touchdown. The senior receiver finished with four receptions for 53 yards and the score, putting the Wildcats up 21–0.

In the fourth quarter, Troutt capped another sustained drive with a short touchdown run, sealing a dominant 28–0 victory.

---

GSF Weekly MVP: CALLUM SCHWEITZER (QB, Los Gatos)

10-of-20 passing | 165 yards | 10 carries | 37 yards | 2 total touchdowns

Schweitzer showcased his trademark composure and field awareness, managing the offense and protecting the football throughout the night.

“Means a lot — we just gotta keep it rolling from here into the playoffs,” Schweitzer told GSF’s Lucca Mazzie after the game.
“Let’s give love to the big boys up front.”

---

GSF Playmaker of the Game: MAX THOMAS (WR/DB, Los Gatos)

4 receptions | 53 yards | 1 touchdown

Thomas’s route precision and ability to finish plays made him a constant threat. His touchdown catch in the third quarter all but ended Menlo’s hopes of a comeback.

“Means a lot,” Thomas said. “Last year we took a tough loss to Wilcox. This year, we’re bouncing back, staying locked in, and chasing CCS and State.”

---

GSF Weekly Defensive Player of the Week : HUDSON SCHRADER (DB, Los Gatos)

2 interceptions | multiple tackles

Schrader’s pair of takeaways — especially the end-zone interception right before halftime — defined the game.

“We’re a shut-down defense every weekend,” Schrader said. “It all comes back to my brothers — I couldn’t do it without them.”

---

GSF Weekly Coaching Staff of the Week: LOS GATOS WILDCATS

Head Coach Mark Krail and Staff

Head Coach Mark Krail credited his team’s discipline and depth for the win over Menlo.

“I’m very proud of the guys — hats off to Menlo. Those guys are playing Iron Man football and doing a great job,” Krail said. “Our guys played fast and physical, which is exactly what we challenged them to do this week.”

On the defensive performance:

“Menlo’s been averaging close to 50 points a game, and they didn’t have a single chunk play tonight. That says everything about our discipline and how our kids executed the game plan.”

Krail also acknowledged the need for improvement on offense:

“We’ve got to fix some penalties and keep improving, but I’m proud of how our guys kept pushing through adversity. That’s what great teams do.”

---

GSF Takeaway

Los Gatos turned in one of its most complete efforts of the year — dominant on defense, efficient on offense, and composed from start to finish. Callum Schweitzer led with confidence, Max Thomas made key plays, and Hudson Schrader delivered two defining turnovers.

Menlo, now 7–1, remains a formidable team, but Los Gatos (5–3) made a statement that they’re far from done.

Final: Los Gatos 28, Menlo 0

SERRA PADRES DEFENSE CLOSES STRONG TO DEFEAT MITTY MONARCHS AT FOOTHILL COLLEGE

GSF Weekly Game Recap | Coverage by Kevin Cuenca | Executive Producer: Alf Joaquin

LOS ALTOS HILLS, CA — Back at Foothill College we go. One week after Mitty’s wild finish against the Fightin’ Irish, the Monarchs hosted the Junípero Serra Padres in another GSF-covered Friday night showdown.

Before kickoff, Executive Producer Alf Joaquin reminded fans that nominations are still open for the 4th Annual GSF Senior All-Star Experience — the anti-bullying and suicide-prevention showcase set for December 29th. Serra, as always, brought that same message of unity and brotherhood to the field — and their defense delivered when it mattered most.

---

FIRST HALF – BACK-AND-FORTH START

The Monarchs opened the game with a statement drive. Joseph Engin, last week’s GSF Game of the Week MVP, led Mitty on a 12-play march that ended with a strike to Kai Sniffen for the opening touchdown.
Lazaro Faraj-Washington, the previous GSF Playmaker of the Week, helped move the chains, and Mitty looked sharp early — up 7-0.

Serra answered right away. After being forced to punt on their first series, the Padres pulled off a fake punt that flipped the energy in the stadium. Andrew Takapautolo tossed it to Brody Smith, who connected with Jace Cannon down inside the red zone.

Two plays later, Malakai Taufoou went under center and flipped it to Iziah Singleton for the equalizer. Saul Marksadded the PAT — 7-7 after one.

Mitty struck again midway through the second quarter when Engin found Lucca Edwards for a 56-yard catch-and-run, setting up another TD toss to Sniffen. Serra answered just before the break — Singleton burst through for a big gain, Henley followed inside the 5, and Taufoou punched it in.

Marks’ PAT was good, giving Serra a 14-13 halftime lead. The Padres’ defense closed the half with a sack by senior Peyton Thomas, shutting down a 52-yard field-goal attempt by Mitty’s Chase Graff.

---

SECOND HALF – PADRES LOCK IN

Both defenses traded stops through most of the third. Mitty’s best chance came late in the quarter when Sniffen stripped the ball loose for a turnover — a classic hustle play from one of the WCAL’s top two-way athletes.

But Serra’s defensive line — led by Thomas, Lemani Fehoko, and freshman Taupaki Latu — owned the trenches. Early in the fourth, Jeovanni Henley flipped the momentum back with a 16-yard pick-six, his fifth defensive touchdown of the year. Marks drilled the extra point to make it 21-13 Serra with 11:08 remaining.

Moments later, Cornell James came up with another interception — the Padres’ ninth of the season — sealing the defensive statement. Serra capitalized with a short-yardage score by Takapautolo to close it out, 28-13 final.

---

POSTGAME – DEFENSE WINS IT

After the game, Kevin Cuenca caught up with the Padres, who spoke about focus, energy, and family.

Jeovanni Henley – Junior RB/S

“We wanna win WCAL, go to CCS, and go to state — that’s always been our job,” said Henley.
“I knew I lost some energy for our team earlier, so when I got that pick, I had to bring it back. Once I scored, everyone felt it — the energy shifted. After CJ [Cornell James] got his interception, we knew we were gonna win this game.”

Peyton Thomas – Senior DL

“It was all about energy,” Thomas said. “We didn’t have it early, but once Geo got that pick-six and CJ followed it up, we fed off it. I’ve been with these guys for years — the chemistry is real.”
On teammate Lemani Fehoko: “He practices every day like it’s the Super Bowl. Having him next to me pushes me harder every time.”

Lemani Fehoko – Junior OL/DL

“It was a hard win — both ways,” Fehoko said. “We knew it was gonna be a battle. We just kept pushing and trusting each other. The brotherhood here is real — everybody buys in. When you’re down, your brothers lift you up.”

---

FINAL STATS

Serra Padres (6-2, 4-0 WCAL)

• QB Caleb Bandel: 10/11, 62 yds

• RB Iziah Singleton: 19 car, 116 yds, 2 TD

• WR/RB Malakai Taufoou: 1 rush TD

• S Jeovanni Henley: 1 INT TD (16 yds)

• DL Peyton Thomas: 1 sack, 1 hurry

• DL Lemani Fehoko: 3 tackles, key run stops

• CB Cornell James: 1 INT (29 yds)

• K Saul Marks: 4/4 PAT

Mitty Monarchs (5-3, 3-2 WCAL)

• QB Joseph Engin: 9/20, 164 yds, 1 TD

• WR Kai Sniffen: 3 rec, 36 yds, 2 TD

• WR Lucca Edwards: 3 rec, 79 yds

• RB Lazaro Faraj-Washington: 17 car, 75 yds

---

UP NEXT

Serra improves to 4-0 in league play, keeping pace at the top of the WCAL standings. The Padres will host St. Francisnext, while Mitty looks to rebound on the road.

For full coverage, highlights, and nomination links to the GSF Senior All-Star Experience, visit GetSportsFocus.com.

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.

Thursday Night Lights in San Jose: Willow Glen and Live Oak Roll in Week 10 Doubleheader

By GetSportsFocus | October 23, 2025 – San Jose, CA

Week 10 Thursday night football brought fireworks to San Jose, featuring two high-energy matchups that showcased toughness, talent, and heart. The Willow Glen Rams continued their winning momentum with a dominant road victory at Westmont, while the Live Oak Acorns held off Branham in an instant-classic shootout that ended 52–46.

As the regular season nears its close, the focus shifts toward the 4th Annual GSF Senior All-Star Experience, uniting Bay Area athletes under the banner of Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention Awareness.

---

Willow Glen Rams 41, Westmont Warriors 8

The Rams wasted no time making noise on the opening kickoff. Senior Noah “Javi” Nunez sprinted 63 yards to the Warriors’ 40, setting up the first score of the night. Moments later, quarterback Aiden Akery (Sr) handed off to Lucas Favela (Sr), who burst through the line for a 20-yard touchdown and a 7–0 lead.

Favela led all rushers with 11 carries for 135 yards and one touchdown, and Akery added a commanding performance — 7-of-10 for 173 yards and four touchdown passes.

Westmont found a spark when Yoav Kibel intercepted a pass to stop momentum. The Warriors capitalized on a bad snap over the punter’s head with a defensive safety, cutting it to 7–2, before GSF All-Star Xavier Solis (Sr) powered in a 29-yard touchdown run to briefly put Westmont on top, 8–7.

But that would be their last lead. Willow Glen’s passing game took over as Akery connected with Eoghan Creegan (Jr), Chris Amann (Sr), and Caiden Morefield (Jr) twice for touchdowns — including a 68-yard bomb to Morefield that broke the game open. Steven Young (Sr) added a rushing TD, while kickers Gavin Holmes and Morefield combined to go 5-for-5 on PATs.

The Rams tallied 398 total yards to Westmont’s 187, improving their postseason outlook with a 41–8 statement win.

Willow Glen Leaders

• QB Aiden Akery: 7/10, 173 yds, 4 TD

• RB Lucas Favela: 11 car, 135 yds, TD

• WR Caiden Morefield: 2 rec, 86 yds, 2 TD, 1 PAT

• WR Eoghan Creegan: 2 rec, 54 yds, TD

• WR Chris Amann: 2 rec, 25 yds, TD

• RB Steven Young: 5 car, 32 yds, TD

Westmont Leaders

• RB Xavier Solis: 19 car, 93 yds, TD

• QB Kevin Rangel: 9/25, 81 yds; 11 rush yds

• WR Cole Treleaven: 6 rec, 61 yds

---

Live Oak Acorns 52, Branham Bruins 46

Just a few miles away, the Live Oak Acorns and Branham Bruins put on one of the most thrilling games of the year — a shootout that featured over 1,000 total yards and 98 combined points.

When GSF arrived, Live Oak was up 24–14. But Branham’s sophomore QB Andrew “Roo” Ho immediately put his team back in the fight with a 60-yard strike to GSF All-Star Michael Murphy (Sr). The Acorns answered just as quickly — QB Adrian Leal (Sr) hit Tanner Holeman (Sr) for a shake-and-bake touchdown to extend the lead, and the scoring frenzy was on.

Branham’s offense stayed hot behind Ho’s 13-of-21, 286-yard, 4-touchdown performance, while Murphy turned in a monster game with 297 total yards and four touchdowns (two rushing, two receiving). Brayden Hodges and Jeremia Corey added a combined 214 receiving yards and two scores, keeping the Bruins within striking distance all night.

But the night belonged to Gage Jones (Jr). The Live Oak star exploded for 328 rushing yards on 43 carries and six total touchdowns, including a back-breaking kickoff return that made it 45–33 entering the fourth.

Late in the game, Branham cut it to 52–46 after a string of incredible catches by Hodges, but the Acorns closed it out with one last first down, securing the win and cementing themselves as league contenders.

Live Oak Leaders

• RB Gage Jones: 43 car, 328 yds, 5 TD + KR TD (410 all-purpose yds)

• QB Adrian Leal: 6/14, 74 yds, 2 TD; 44 rush yds (118 total)

• WR Tanner Holeman: 2 rec, 33 yds, TD

• DL Dylan Fisher: 10 tackles, 3.5 sacks

• DL Messiah Luna: 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks

• DL Royce Mendonca & Manny Mercardo: combined 2 sacks

Branham Leaders

• QB Andrew “Roo” Ho: 13/21, 286 yds, 4 TD; 35 rush yds (321 total)

• RB/WR Michael Murphy: 230 rush yds, 67 rec yds, 4 TD (297 total)

• WR Brayden Hodges: 7 rec, 137 yds, TD

• WR Jeremia Corey: 2 rec, 77 yds, TD

---

Postgame: Acorns Speak

QB Adrian Leal (Sr) praised his team’s poise and unity:

“This win is a testament to how much heart we have. Two weeks ago, we took a tough loss, but our resilience showed again tonight. I’m just really proud of the offense — everyone stepped up when we needed it. My job is to do whatever coach asks — run it, throw it, or kick it — and we did what we had to do to win.”

DL/OL Royce Mendonca (Sr) reflected on the team’s growth and leadership:

“After that first league game against Santa Teresa, we knew we could compete with anyone. We’ve got one of the best coaching staffs in the league and a team full of dogs. When you’ve got guys like Gage running the ball, and a quarterback like Adrian leading us, you’re going to put up big numbers. I’ve watched this team grow since my freshman year — everyone’s gotten better every offseason. That’s what makes this group special.”

RB Gage Jones (Jr) credited his teammates and offseason work:

“We capitalized on our mistakes and just kept fighting. Every man on this team wants it so bad. Last year we went 3–7, so I knew this season I had to step up and be that guy. I put in the work at XIOS with Coach Andrew all offseason, every day. I couldn’t do any of this without my linemen — they block until the whistle every play. This was a big win, but we’ve still got more to do — Christopher, Leigh, and then playoffs. Let’s go.”

---

Final Takeaway

Two Thursday night showcases, two statement wins. Willow Glen proved balance and execution win games, while Live Oak displayed grit, explosiveness, and championship chemistry.

With just two weeks left before the postseason, the countdown is on to the GSF Senior All-Star Experience, where the Bay Area’s best will take the field in support of Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention.

Girls Flag Football All-Star nominations close next Wednesday.
Senior Football nominations remain open through the end of the regular season.

Nominate your athlete today at GetSportsFocus.com and join the movement to Stand Up and Support Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention.

SAN MATEO — Polynesian Day at Brady Family Stadium is always special at Serra High School, and Saturday’s matchup between the Padres and visiting St. Francis Lancers delivered another memorable chapter to this WCAL rivalry.

Before kickoff, Serra honored a familiar face — Charles “Chick” Walsh, the father of longtime head coach Patrick Walsh — who served as the Polynesian Day honorary captain. For 25 years, Chick has never missed a Serra game, attending every single one since his son took over the program. His recognition before the game drew a warm ovation from the crowd and set the tone for a spirited afternoon in San Mateo.

A Chaotic First Half

The game opened with fireworks on both sides of the ball — and a flurry of turnovers. St. Francis struck first after a bad exchange on Serra’s opening drive was recovered by linebacker Cody Butler deep in Padre territory. Sophomore quarterback Drew Cumby finished the short drive with a keeper to the corner for a touchdown. Lucas Vaughn’s extra point gave the Lancers a 7-0 lead.

The Padres quickly answered. Charlie Walsh’s kickoff return past midfield set up the offense, and Jeovanni Henleyannounced his return to action with a 22-yard touchdown run. Serra converted the two-point try to take an 8-7 lead.

That lead was soon tested when St. Francis standout Chase Cahoon, a 3-Star Stanford commit, delivered several hard hits on Padre ball-carriers, including a shot on Walsh that forced a fumble — one of six total turnovers in the first half. Cahoon was a force defensively, setting the tone for a physical Lancer front.

The first quarter ended with Serra’s defense making a massive stand at the goal line. On 4th-and-goal from the one, Payton Thomas, Dylan Modena, Aaron Mier, and Mani Fehoko combined to stuff the Lancers and keep the Padres ahead 8-7.

In the second quarter, momentum swung wildly. Serra capitalized after Nia Alatini stripped the ball loose — recovered by Kaimani Keanaaina — but the Lancers’ defense returned the favor moments later. Both defenses traded takeaways before Serra extended its lead behind Iziah Singleton, who powered in for his sixth touchdown of the season.

Before halftime, kicker Saul Marks drilled a 32-yard field goal to make it 17-7 Serra. The Lancers, however, responded with an 80-yard scoring drive capped by Cumby’s 33-yard strike to Max Haberlach, trimming the deficit to 17-14 at the break.

Momentum Swings and Special Teams Magic

The third quarter started with St. Francis surging ahead. Cumby found Sean Walsh down the sideline for a 54-yard touchdown, giving the Lancers a 21-17 lead.

But the Padres answered immediately. Jayden Aparicio took the ensuing kickoff 92 yards to the house — untouched — to reclaim the lead at 24-21. The play completely shifted momentum and was a defining highlight of the day.

Serra’s defense forced a turnover on downs after stopping a fake punt attempt, and the Padres capitalized again. Malakai Taufoou punched it in for another touchdown, extending the lead to 31-21 heading into the fourth quarter.

Henley Puts It Away

Marks continued his consistent season with a 49-yard field goal early in the fourth, giving Serra a 13-point cushion. St. Francis wasn’t done — a big run by Motu Keanaaina set up Cumby’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Sean Walsh, cutting it to 34-28 with just over six minutes left.

Then Henley sealed it. With the Padres looking to run out the clock, the senior tailback broke free for a 52-yard touchdown, putting the game out of reach and finishing an all-around standout performance. Henley’s final line: 5 carries for 86 yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and a sack.

Postgame Reactions

Jeovanni Henley reflected on the emotional win after missing last year’s 21-21 tie due to injury:

“It feels good. I knew going into this game that I needed to do my job and execute as a player and teammate. Last year I was injured — that game was in my heart. This year I wanted to lead and help us get this win.”

Coach Patrick Walsh praised Henley’s impact and his team’s resilience:

“It’s crazy — 22 guys on the field, and one man can make a difference. Having one guy like Geo makes a huge difference. He was tipping passes, making stops, and then iced the game with that electric sweep. His leadership and personality are everything. He’s one of the best players in Northern California.”

Walsh also commented on the wild nature of the first half:

“The first 24 minutes were wacky — six turnovers, four for us, two for them. Sometimes games go that way. I’m proud of our guys for overcoming that chaos. To be minus-three in turnovers and still winning means we did a lot of good things right. That kickoff return by Aparicio was huge — a true team victory.”

Up Next

Serra improves to 4-3 overall (4-0 WCAL) and will travel to San Jose to face Archbishop Mitty next Saturday for the Monarchs’ Homecoming Game. Mitty, fresh off a 27-20 win over Sacred Heart Cathedral, nearly upset St. Francis earlier this season, falling 20-19.

The Lancers (now 2-5, 2-2 WCAL) return home to host St. Ignatius, who just blanked Bellarmine 28-0.

GSF Game of the Week: Archbishop Mitty Monarchs vs Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish

By GetSportsFocus | October 17, 2025 – Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA

LOS ALTOS HILLS — The Archbishop Mitty Monarchs put together one of their most complete performances of the season, outlasting the Sacred Heart Cathedral Fightin’ Irish in a physical, hard-fought GSF Game of the Week at Foothill College. Led by quarterback Joseph Engin and running back Lazaro Faraj-Washington, the Monarchs showcased explosive offense, disciplined defense, and poise under pressure to secure a key WCAL win.

---

Pre-Game Spotlight: Stand Up and Support

Before kickoff, GSF reminded fans of the upcoming Stand Up and Support: Anti-Bullying and Suicide Prevention All-Star Games, set for Monday, December 29.
The event will feature the Girls Flag Football Showcase followed by the 4th Annual GSF Senior All-Star Football Game, where the teams — 5-Star and HEROES — will square off in celebration of leadership, education, and service.

---

First Quarter – Trading Blows

The game opened with Lazaro Faraj-Washington setting the tone on a strong kickoff return. Sacred Heart Cathedral’s defense responded with early tackles for loss by Elliott Beach and Chase Jenkins, forcing a missed field-goal attempt.

The Irish struck first behind a creative double-pass from Michael Sargent to Isaiah Davis, setting up a deep completion to Jermaine Powell and a rushing touchdown by Legend Williams.

Mitty countered quickly. Engin completed short strikes to Kai Sniffen and L. Rodriguez, while Washington powered through the line for multiple first downs. He capped the drive with his 11th touchdown of the year, tying the game late in the quarter.

---

Second Quarter – Monarchs Take Control

Kicker Chase Graff opened the period with a field goal to put Mitty ahead.
Defensively, the Monarchs tightened up behind Ethan Chase, Mannix Jennings, and Mailangi Tongi, who combined for a drive-ending sack.

The offense kept rolling. Engin, showing his dual-threat ability, scrambled for a short touchdown run to extend the lead. Just before halftime, Graff converted another field goal after Engin hit Lucca Edwards for a 16-yard completion to set up the attempt.

At halftime, Mitty had established momentum with 227 rushing yards and near-perfect execution in the red zone.

---

Third Quarter – Irish Adjust, Engin Answers

The Fightin’ Irish came out determined, leaning on Legend Williams’ physical running and Michael Sargent’s quick reads. On fourth down, Sargent connected with Jermaine Powell for a touchdown, cutting the lead and energizing the Irish sideline.

Mitty immediately responded. On the next possession, Joseph Engin pulled the ball on a read option and exploded for a 60-yard touchdown run, one of the longest plays of the night and a clear reminder of his off-season work. That run proved to be the momentum-shifting moment.

---

Fourth Quarter – Fight to the Finish

Late in the game, Mitty’s offense stalled on fourth-and-one, giving Sacred Heart Cathedral a final opportunity.
Sargent guided an impressive two-minute drive, hitting Chase Jenkins and Zion Secrease for key completions before finding Secrease again for a touchdown. The Irish’s rally ended there when Mitty blocked the extra point and recovered the onside kick to secure the victory.

---

By the Numbers – Archbishop Mitty Offensive Leaders

Mitty finished with 381 total yards (227 rushing, 154 passing), scoring three touchdowns and adding nine points from Graff’s kicks.

---

Post-Game Interviews

Joseph Engin – GSF Game of the Week MVP

“The speed comes from a lot of off-season work — hill sprints, cone drills, everything,” Engin said. “Last year I was slower, but all that work paid off. Guys like Chase (Graff) are huge for us — he does everything: blocks, kicks, makes tackles. And our O-line has come so far since Week 1. We’ve built this gritty brotherhood.

Coach Danny and the staff prepare us every week. We go over coverages, keep the reads simple, and stay focused. I’m proud of how our team is playing right now — and we’re going to keep this thing rolling.”

Lazaro Faraj-Washington – GSF Game of the Week Playmaker

“It was a good battle, but we pulled through,” Washington said. “Our O-line did their thing as always. It usually takes five guys to bring me down. Every team in the WCAL has talent this year; anybody can win on any given Friday. We just keep working, every week.”

Chase Graff – Defensive Leader and Kicker

“I’m on defense, special teams — whatever the team needs. I just want to help any way I can,” Graff said. “We’re a super tight group. I love these guys, and I play my heart out every time. I’m proud of what we did today.”

---

GSF Honors

GSF Game of the Week MVP: Joseph Engin
Two rushing touchdowns, including a 60-yard breakaway that sealed the win.

GSF Game of the Week Playmaker: Lazaro Faraj-Washington
168 all-purpose yards (114 rushing, 54 receiving) and one touchdown.

GSF Weekly Game-Changer (Week 6): Chase Graff
Three extra points, two field goals, and a blocked PAT that secured the finish.

Each award recipient received a Free Ike’s EPIC Sandwich, 15% off Gainz and Shreds Meal Prep, and the official GSF Award shirt.

---

Final Take

The Monarchs proved once again that balance, resilience, and preparation win football games. With Engin commanding the offense and Washington running with purpose, Mitty looks every bit like a contender heading into the heart of WCAL play.
Sacred Heart Cathedral fought until the final whistle, showing the same heart and toughness that define their program.

Full highlights and post-game coverage are now available at GetSportsFocus.com and on social media @GetSportsFocus.