‼️OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS‼️ Santa Teresa vs Live Oak

Santa Teresa

Live Oak

Results

Team	1	2	3	4	T
Santa Teresa	21	7	14	7	49
Live Oak	07	0	20	8	35

Santa Teresa stays perfect with 49–35 win over Live Oak in South Bay showdown

MORGAN HILL, CA — It was a picture-perfect homecoming night at Live Oak High School. Fireworks lit up the Morgan Hill sky before kickoff and again at halftime, setting the stage for one of the most exciting high school football games of the season. Two undefeated South Bay powerhouses — the Live Oak Acorns (5–0) and the Santa Teresa Saints (5–0) — met under the lights to see who truly runs the South Bay.

When the final whistle blew, the Saints proved why they’re among the best in the Bay Area, outlasting Live Oak 49–35 in a fast-paced, physical battle that showcased the talent, heart, and coaching of both programs. The victory pushed Santa Teresa to 6–0, while Live Oak dropped to 5–1.

Fast start for Santa Teresa

The Saints struck first and never looked back. On the opening drive, junior quarterback Salvador Guerrero launched a 55-yard touchdown pass to AJ Rangel, the 6’4″, 206-pound senior wideout and 3-star-rated hidden gem. The Saints took a 7–0 lead after kicker Santiago Guerra’s first of seven perfect PATs.

The Acorns answered right away. Senior quarterback Adrian Leal, a familiar face from Team Supreme, the three-time GSF 7v7 Tournament Series champions, called his own number and scored on a keeper to tie the game at 7.

Santa Teresa responded with another big strike — a 55-yard touchdown to senior Prince Collins, one of GSF’s own 5-Star athletes. That made it 14–7, and the Saints never trailed again.

Collins and the defense set the tone

On the next Live Oak possession, Collins made one of the biggest defensive plays of the night, forcing a fumble that Rocco Saole recovered. The Saints quickly turned that turnover into points, as Rangel pulled in his second touchdown catch to make it 21–7 after one quarter.

In the second quarter, Live Oak went for it on 4th-and-1 at the Saints’ 22-yard line — and Collins delivered again. He blew up the play with a stop that fired up the entire sideline. The Saints capitalized on the momentum, driving downfield and finishing with a Jaylen Malcom rushing touchdown for a 28–7 halftime lead.

As halftime fireworks illuminated the sky above the stadium, fans were treated to a homecoming celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of Friday night football in the South Bay.

Live Oak fights back

The Acorns opened the third quarter with urgency. Leal connected with Praise God Ofobuike on a 49-yard touchdownto cut the deficit to 28–14. But Guerrero and his offense stayed locked in, answering immediately with another touchdown strike to Collins, his second of the night, to push the lead to 35–14.

Moments later, Ofobuike made the play of the game for Live Oak, taking the ensuing kickoff 75 yards for a touchdownto make it 35–21. The Saints countered again with Guerrero’s fifth touchdown pass — a 22-yard strike to Malcom, who continues to shine as one of NorCal’s most versatile athletes.

Live Oak’s workhorse back Gage Jones took over the next drive, pounding the ball between the tackles before capping it with a touchdown run. Trey Monroe blocked the PAT, keeping the Saints up 42–27 heading into the final quarter.

Saints close it out

Live Oak refused to go away. Leal led another scoring drive early in the fourth quarter, finishing it with a two-point conversion to bring the score to 42–35.

But special teams once again shifted momentum. Malcom returned the ensuing kickoff deep into Acorn territory, setting up Guerrero’s sixth touchdown pass — a short completion to Travis Luna — to make it 49–35 with 5:36 left.

The Acorns kept battling, but their comeback hopes ended when defensive lineman Tekiteki Pekipaki sacked Leal on 4th-and-goal from the 16, sealing the win for Santa Teresa.

Postgame honors

Guerrero’s final stat line — 14 of 18 for 250 yards and six touchdowns — earned him both GSF Game of the Week MVP and GSF Weekly Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Running back Brian Caldwell rushed 26 times for 241 yards and a touchdown, providing balance to the Saints’ explosive passing game.
Prince Collins, who scored twice and made key defensive plays, was named the GSF Playmaker of the Week, while Jaylen Malcom earned Honorable Mention for his two touchdowns and clutch kickoff return in the fourth quarter.

On defense, Richard Arechiga, Erick Arevalo Jr., Pekipaki, Jalen Karriem, Jordan Mariscal, Trey Monroe, and Rocco Saole each contributed critical stops, sacks, and tackles for loss throughout the night.
Coach Steve Papin and his staff were recognized as the GSF Weekly Coaching Staff of the Week for their preparation, discipline, and team unity.

Quotes from the field

After the game, Collins reflected on the Saints’ chemistry:

“Our bond together — it’s crazy. We’re a family. Everybody shows up for each other. Even the food, we eat together. That’s what makes us special.”

Guerrero credited his offensive line and teammates for their trust and leadership:

“My line — I love them. The work they put in and the trust they have in me to lead us, that’s everything. The seniors, especially Malcom, welcomed me in and helped me become part of the team.”

Pekipaki captured the team’s mindset perfectly:

“We’re all dogs. We play for each other and for the man above.”

GSF Rewards

Each GSF award recipient received:

A free EPIC Sandwich from Ike’s Love & Sandwiches
15% off Gainz & Shreds Meal Prep
The iconic GSF Game of the Week T-shirt

A special night in the South Bay

From the pregame fireworks to the postgame celebration, it was a night to remember in Morgan Hill. Both teams played with heart, pride, and energy, delivering one of the best games of the year.

As Guerrero declared to the GSF cameras after the win: