{"id":3107,"date":"2026-08-24T16:07:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:07:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=3107"},"modified":"2026-08-24T16:07:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T16:07:45","slug":"prep-rally-takeaways-from-the-opening-week-of-high-school-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=3107","title":{"rendered":"Prep Rally: Takeaways from the opening week of high school football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. I\u2019m Eric Sondheimer. The opening weekend of high school football provided some thrills and surprises. Let\u2019s offer some observations.<\/p>\n

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Get our high school sports newsletter<\/h3>\n<\/header>\n
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Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.<\/p>\n

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service<\/a>, which include arbitration and a class action waiver. You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy<\/a> such as personalizing your experience and ads. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/ps-newsletter-module> <\/div>\n

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\"Corona <\/picture>\n
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Corona Centennial\u2019s Quentin Hale makes one-handed catch against Servite on Aug. 20, 2026.<\/p>\n

(Craig Weston)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

In Las Vegas, St. John Bosco came out against Bishop Gorman looking overwhelmed on offense. The Braves suffered sacks, an interception, a fumble, erratic blocking, no ground game. They fell behind 21-0 and most thought the game was over. Then St. John Bosco came out of the locker room playing like a different team, rallying to tie the score 28-28 before losing 38-28. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

A couple of concerns for the Braves. They have a veteran secondary that surprisingly had communication issues, leaving running backs going out for passes uncovered. Also veteran quarterback Koa Malau\u2019ulu<\/b> rallied the team in the second half after struggling to throw the ball on the run. The defensive line produced little pressure, requiring lots of blitzing. Coach Jason Negro<\/b> said everything is \u201cfixable\u201d but clearly the Braves have a lot more to prove.<\/p>\n

Corona Centennial took care of its first of three games against Trinity League opponents, beating Servite 41-21. Quarterback Jaden Jefferson<\/b> and receiver Quentin Hale<\/b> picked up where they left off during their previous three years at Cathedral. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> Next up is a home game Friday against Santa Margarita that\u2019s a rematch of last year\u2019s Division 1 final.<\/p>\n

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The Times’ nine-part series previewing top high school football players has been completed. If you missed anything, you can fine it here. https:\/\/t.co\/wP6R7eaUe5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) August 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

Crenshaw showed off a lot more offense than usual in winning its opener against a Palisades team that enjoyed its first home football game since the Palisades Fire in 2025. Here\u2019s the report. <\/a> <\/p>\n

Santa Margarita coach Carson Palmer<\/b> chose his son, Fletcher<\/b>, to start at quarterback and he delivered in a 27-0 win over Orlando (Fla.) Jones. He threw two touchdowns. The Eagles showed off some promising freshmen, including linebacker Aydan Steen<\/b> and receiver Kiyan Collins<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Sierra Canyon\u2019s defensive line was as good as advertised in a win over JSerra.<\/p>\n

Granada Hills Kennedy opened with a 42-14 win over Eagle Rock. That\u2019s surprising since the Golden Cougars lost to graduation their do-everything quarterback Diego Fuentes. Matthew Quintanilla <\/b>scored three touchdowns and blocked a punt that was returned for a touchdown.<\/p>\n

Chaminade blanked Oaks Christian behind four sacks by Hudson Manning<\/b>. But the Eagles didn\u2019t have standout offensive tackle Jackson Hill<\/b>, who has been lost for the season after knee surgery. He\u2019s a Notre Dame commit.<\/p>\n

Rancho Cucamonga demonstrated it\u2019s another Inland Empire team to watch, grinding out a 28-14 win over Murrieta Valley.<\/p>\n

Carson picked up one of the City Section\u2019s best nonleague wins in several years by beating San Diego power Lincoln 35-31. Chris Fields III <\/b>accounted for four touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Jazmin Gamble<\/b><\/a>, the only female head football coach in California, won her debut when Hawthorne defeated Gardena 26-20.<\/p>\n

The San Pedro vs. King\/Drew game was halted in the third quarter when fans and others thought there was a gunshot, leading to a scramble out of the stadium. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Former Garfield coach Lorenzo Hernandez<\/b> won his debut coaching Whittier, 49-6 over Temple City.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at top performances from last week\u2019s openers.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the latest top 25 rankings by The Times.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the schedule for the upcoming week<\/a>.<\/p>\n

50 years and counting<\/h2>\n
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\"Eric <\/picture>\n
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Eric Sondheimer interviewing Donovan Dent at end of state championship in Sacramento March 2022.<\/p>\n

(Nick Koza)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

It\u2019s my 50th year covering high school sports in Southern California, so I thought long and hard to present 50 moments in 50 years when I could have done 200.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the look. <\/a> <\/p>\n

Columnist Bill Plaschke <\/b>took time out of his busy schedule and unleashed his beautiful writing skills, humbling me with a column that I never expected honoring high school sportswriters everywhere. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

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\"Standout <\/picture>\n
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Standout JSerra receiver Tessa Russell. <\/p>\n

(Steve Galluzzo \/ For The Times)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Panorama pulled off the biggest upset of the week, defeating Eagle Rock in four overtimes.<\/p>\n

No. 1 JSerra continues to win and win. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s this week\u2019s top 10 rankings by The Times<\/a>.<\/p>\n

El Camino Real turmoil<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s still no resolution involving multiple El Camino Real coaches escorted off campus while the school conducts an investigation as to why their CPR and first-aid cards weren\u2019t showing up in the Red Cross database.<\/p>\n

Brad Wright<\/b>, president of the school\u2019s governing board, said, \u201cAt this time, I believe it is important to allow the investigation to proceed and respect the process and the privacy of everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Notes . . .<\/h2>\n
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Are you kidding! \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

3rd HR of the game!
13th HR in last 14 games!
27th HR of the season!<\/p>\n

Cleveland #Guardians<\/a> 21yr old (1B) prospect Ralphy Velazquez hits his 3rd HR of the game for Columbus a solo blast in the 8th inning 102.4 mph off the bat in vs St. Paul. #GuardsBall<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aKraNMiXaj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 23, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

Former Huntington Beach star Ralphy Velazquez<\/b> had a three-home run game in the minors for the Guardians.<\/p>\n

Standout receiver Gavin Honore <\/b>has returned to Mater Dei after transferring to Bishop Gorman….<\/p>\n

Baseball coach Michael Gonzales <\/b>of South El Monte has resigned….<\/p>\n

Brody Brooks<\/b> (Loyola) and Mattias Di Maggio<\/b> (Dos Pueblos) are part of a final group of 32 baseball players trying to make the USA 15U national team….<\/p>\n

Elijah Menzies <\/b>is the new girls basketball coach at Villa Park. Brad Willis <\/b>has taken over the boys program….<\/p>\n

Addison Archer<\/b>, who averaged 26.6 points as a freshman at Rancho Christian, has transferred to Mater Dei. The Monarchs also have freshman Janai Turne<\/b>r, the daughter of former Beverly Hills boys coach Jarvis Turner<\/b>. She is highly regarded….<\/p>\n

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First and foremost, all glory to God! Blessed and honored to announce my commitment to UCLA.Thank you to my fam.
Grateful to Coach Alberto, Coach Simpson & @cen10<\/a> staff, & every coach, & teammate.
Thank you Coach Savage, Coach Barnes & the @UCLABaseball<\/a> staff for the opportunity. pic.twitter.com\/VDDzowQwkK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Christian De La O (@Christiandela0) August 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

Junior pitcher Christian De La O <\/b>of Corona Centennial has committed to UCLA….<\/p>\n

Royal football coach Adam Brubaker <\/b>is no longer coaching the team after a video surfaced that showed him kicking a football into the groin area of a player during practice. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> Royal defeated Monroe 62-0 with an interim coaching staff on Friday…<\/p>\n

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit for a second time filed against the CIF seeking to change transfer and NIL rules. Here\u2019s the report.<\/a> <\/p>\n

From the archives: Jeff Engilman<\/h2>\n
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\"Former <\/picture>\n
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Former Sylmar High footbal coach Jeff Engilman in 2000.<\/p>\n

(George Wilhelm\/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n

Jeff Engilman <\/b>is long retired but never forgotten. He was old school, his face turning bright red when chewing out players. He was head coach at Sylmar, Arleta, Grant and Manual Arts. He won two upper division City Section titles at Sylmar. He won two City titles at Manual Arts. Golden Valley coach Dan Kelley<\/b> was his assistant for 15 years at Sylmar.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a story from 1987 talking about his Manual Arts days.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a story from 1992 explaining his passion. <\/a> <\/p>\n

He lives in Vazquez and keeps track of Kelley.<\/p>\n

Recommendations<\/h2>\n

From the Los Angeles Times,<\/a> an appreciation of Russell Westbrook<\/b> after his retirement.<\/p>\n

From the San Diego Union-Tribune<\/a>, a look at the top 25 high school football players in San Diego.<\/p>\n

From the Los Angeles Times<\/a>, a story on the demolition and plans for a new Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.<\/p>\n

From the Los Angeles Times,<\/a> a look at former NFL players taking to coaching high school football.<\/p>\n

Tweets you might have missed<\/h2>\n
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One former high school football player from the Southland is at an SEC school in his final year of college. One of his classes is golf. Matt Leinart got lots of pub for taking ballroom dancing at USC. No word if you get extra credit for a hole-in-one.<\/p>\n

\u2014 eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) August 19, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

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If you\u2019re a double hold back in HS with your chest out because you\u2019re dominating kids 2-3 years younger than you, I feel embarrassed for you. Actually let me rephrase, your parents are responsible for this. I\u2019m embarrassed of them. Justify this toxic culture all you\u2019d like. \u201cI\u2019m\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Su\u2019a Kristopher Cravens (@SuaKCravens) August 20, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

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#18 is officially retired! A great honor for a Triton who has represented our program and shown the world what we already knew. <\/p>\n

A fierce competitor who leads by example, humble in victory and took ownership in defeats.<\/p>\n

Congratulations Sam Darnold \ud83d\udd31\ud83c\udfc8\ud83c\udfc6 pic.twitter.com\/HiHkHBiKlP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Triton Football (@Tritonfootball) August 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

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Sofia Wroblewski makes her anticipated high school debut on the Southern California cross country scene as the @YorbaLindaXc<\/a> freshman wins her two-mile race at the Mountie Xpress at Mt. SAC by 59 seconds! pic.twitter.com\/kkmmT45eLq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rich Gonzalez (@PrepCalTrack) August 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

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\ud83d\udea8RANKINGS TEASER! \ud83d\udea8 Here are the official CIF-SS Preseason Rankings for Boys Division 1 and 2. More coming this weekend. All divisions for both State and for CIF-SS drop by Tuesday! pic.twitter.com\/VcHLt1QvXf<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Rich Gonzalez (@PrepCalTrack) August 22, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/ps-tweet-embed> <\/div>\n

Until next time….<\/h2>\n

Have a question, comment or something you\u2019d like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at eric.sondheimer@latimes.com<\/u><\/a>, and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n