Sean Sovacool intently watched film of last week’s game between Mount Miguel High School and San Marcos.

“What stood out was San Marcos turned the ball over five times and still had a chance to win,” said Sovacool, the La Costa Canyon coach. “So I figured if we held onto the ball, we’d have a chance.”

La Costa Canyon, ranked No. 5 in the county, more than hung onto the ball. The Mavericks (2-0) scored on their first seven possessions and beat No. 7 Mount Miguel (1-1) 45-13 on the road.

“The kids didn’t care about the hype,” Sovacool said. “We out-teamed them. We played 65 kids. We have 230 players in the program at three levels. Our kids care and losing wasn’t an option.

“This team is built differently than others I’ve had, so I’m not surprised we won.”

Quinn Roth completed 11 of 14 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns.

“It was a huge win,” Roth said. “We know the talent they have, a lot of scholarship guys who will be playing in college. But we knew that together we’re a better team than them so we just had to stay together, do our job, follow our process, and we’d come out on top.”

Two of Roth’s TD throws went to Jackson Maggiore, who also had a two-yard TD run. Maggiore had five catches for 126 yards.

“I’m just stoked,” Maggiore said. “I think it’s a big statement game, for sure, 5 vs. 7. We had to show that gap in how good we really are.”

Coby Herman had 131 yards rushing and receiving with TD runs of 5 and 62 yards.

“We played clean, we played smart, we played with discipline and we played with passion,” Sovacool said. “And we didn’t turn the ball over.”

After a 5-6 finish in 2023, losing its last five, LCC has won 12 of its last 13. The lone loss came to Cathedral Catholic in last season’s Open Division semifinals.

Top 10

No. 1 Lincoln 36, Long Beach Poly 20: Junior Curtis returned the opening kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown as Lincoln (2-0) jumped off to a 29-0 first-quarter lead and broke in its new turf field. Rashad Robinson carried 16 times for 148 and two TDs, plus had a 22-yard TD catch. Jordan Roa completed 10 of 13 passes for 108 yards and two TDs.

No. 2 Cathedral Catholic 35, Mountain View St. Francis 7: Brady Palmer completed 11 of 16 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns for Cathedral Catholic (2-0). Willie Flores gained 100 yards on 19 carries. Parker Johnson had two TD catches and Honor Fa’alave-Johnson scored on a 44-yard catch.

No. 3 Mission Hills 24, El Dorado Hills Oak Ridge 13: Troy Huhn threw touchdown passes to Josh Gonzalez and Perrin Blankenship for Mission Hills (2-0). Xavier St. John returned an interception for a TD, Grant Kuykendall had a pair of sacks, Aiden Del Gatto had an interception, and Andrew Romer had seven tackles and broke up three passes. Oak Ridge was ranked No. 20 in the state.

No. 4 Granite Hills 49, Mater Dei Catholic 18: Zach Benitez completed 16 of 23 passes for 214 yards and four touchdowns for Granite Hills (2-0). Benitez completed passes to eight receivers, with Noah Walker turning both of his catches into TDs. Rocket Demery also had a pair of TD catches, one for 51 yards and a 44-yarder. Tristan Diaz caught three for 48 yards and a TD. For Mater Dei Catholic (0-2), Will Guzman completed 23 of 34 passes for 357 yards and two TDs. Diego Mendoza had four receptions for 109 yards and a TD.

No. 6 Carlsbad 48, Oceanside 14: Eli MacNeal rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two more for Carlsbad (2-0). Ian Wall had a 66-yard TD run, gaining 145 yards on nine carries. Darian Webb caught a TD pass and threw one. Ethan Mirohov had an interception. Oceanside is 0-2.

Chino Hills 35, No. 8 El Camino 3: El Camino (1-1) fell behind 21-0, losing to Chino Hills (2-0), ranked No. 83 in the state.

No. 9 San Marcos 45, Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro 14: Kreet Makihele threw touchdown passes of 5 and 18 yards to Ezekiel McIntyre and 48 yards to Zamar Reese for San Marcos (1-1) against a Tesoro team ranked No. 82 in the state. Reese also scored on runs of 5 and 67 yards and had a 58-yard punt return TD.

No. 10 Poway 48, Ramona 15: Noah Schuback threw four touchdown passes to lead Poway (2-0). Three of the TDs went to James Clifford with a fourth to Luke Jorgensen. Schuback also had a 15-yard TD run. Ryan Shaw caught a pair of TD passes for Ramona (0-2).

Other games

Torrey Pines 30, San Pasqual 13: Brothers Blake and Logan Miller threw touchdown passes for Torrey Pines (2-0). Blake Miller, the quarterback, was 11 of 18 for 158 yards and a TD toss to Camden Nishnick. Logan, a receiver, threw a 19-yard TD to Nishnick. Logan also caught a 28-yard pass from Blake. Logan Bonneau had six catches for 92 yards. Dominic Rocha and Sonny Villegas had rushing TDs. Landon Lockwood had a rushing TD for San Pasqual (1-1) and Jared Brecht had a 4-yard TD reception.

Rancho Bernardo 28, Brawley 7: Gaige Weddle completed 11 of 15 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns for Rancho Bernardo (2-0). Christian Gonzalez had three receptions for 87 yards and two scores. Brock Fields threw a 30-yard TD pass to Trevor Damiano. RB (2-0) had 328 yards total offense and didn’t punt. Gavin Valencia had 13 tackles. Brawley is 0-2.

Santa Fe Christian 49, Valley Center 20: Dax Labrum was 12 of 15 for 250 yards and four touchdowns for SFC (2-0). Lincoln Mundis had three catches for 111 yards and a score and rushed three times for 56 yards. Robin Anzodru had six tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles. Valley Center is 0-2.

Mt. Carmel 34, La Jolla Country Day 27: Mt. Carmel (2-0) overcame a 20-0 halftime deficit, scoring with under a minute to play on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Taumoepeau to Nate Donohue. Jackson Hanlon had an interception to seal the win. Taumopeau also threw a TD pass to Hanlon and scored on a 7-yard run. Donohue had a pair of TD runs. Jett Astephen threw for 261 yards and two TDs for LJCD (1-1). Quentin Cesaire had 10 catches for 98 yards and a TD. Hesh Herz had seven catches, including a 44-yard TD.

Escondido 40, Classical Academy 21: Bowyn Cannon led Escondido (1-1) with 74 yards and two rushing touchdowns, 109 yards and two passing TDs and five rushing 2-point PATs. He also had five tackles. Jorge Bejar rushed 17 times for 171 yards and a TD. Isaiah Cabrera had a TD catch, seven tackles and a sack. Jorge Martinez had a pair of interceptions. Classical Academy is 0-2.

Del Norte 19, St. Augustine 12: Giovanny Limon had 51 yards rushing, eight tackles and blocked a field goal for Del Norte (1-1). Mason Roman rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown. Noah Harris had seven tackles and blocked a punt. Detriot Taylor recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD. Mateo Orosco had a pair of field goals, including one with 25 seconds to seal the win. For St. Augustine (0-2), Pai Polamalu gained 95 yards rushing. Nigel Thompson and Vince Smith scored TDs.

San Ysidro 56, Clairemont 27: Quarterback Dario Garcia accounted for 235 yards and Sean Blazen ran for 191 yards and two touchdowns as San Ysidro (1-1) scored the second-most points in school history. Garcia was 7 of 8 passing for 83 yards and gained 152 yards on eight carries rushing with a TD. Blazen ran 14 times, gaining 191 yards as the Cougars amassed 586 yards, 509 rushing. Clairemont is 0-2.

Imperial 49, Vincent Memorial 6: Deren Hueso rushed for three touchdowns and returned a punt 83 yards for another score to lead Imperial (2-0). Santonio Urena completed 17 of 24 passes for 261 yards and a TD. Mario Gaxiola (6 catches, 149 yards) and Gio Robles (6 catches for 70 yards) were his top receivers. Jacob Lee and Trey Ruiz scored TDs. Vincent Memorial is 0-1.

Calexico 20, Southwest-El Centro 0: Andre Lopez rushed for 136 yards on 20 carries and scored two touchdowns for Calexico (2-0). The Bulldogs rushed for 267 yards. Israel Lopez completed 9 of 14 passes for 95 yards and a TD to Leonel Canchola. Southwest (0-2) turned the ball over four times.

Central Union 33, Palm Desert 14: Luis Jimenez completed 7 of 8 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns while backup Alec Hernandez added another 65 yards and a score for Central (2-0). Joshua Garcia caught three passes for 103 yards and a TD and returned  kickoff 87 yards for a score. Emiliano Morales caught two passes for 41 yards and a TD and had seven tackles. Ryan Gonzalez blocked a punt and recovered a fumble.

Queen Creek (Ariz.) Casteel 51, Helix 14: Caden Thompson threw a touchdown pass to Jake Williams and Jeremy Davis returned an interception for a TD for Helix (0-2). Jeremy Robinson also had an interception and Ki Curto recovered a fumble.

Santana 14, Crawford 7: Ethan Miller was 17 of 23 for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead Santana (2-0). Julian Mayers gained 103 yards, 49 rushing and 54 on two receptions. Koko Thornton added eight catches for 35 yards and a TD as well as six tackles. Jordyn Gillissie had two sacks.

Steele Canyon 35, Madison 7: Nico Jara had a tackle for a safety, blocked a punt and returned a punt 48 yards to lead Steele Canyon (2-0). Gavin Caha completed 10 of 18 for 164 yards and a touchdown while Noah Ramirez returned a fumble 65 yards for a TD. Madison is 0-2.

Grossmont 36, Westview 14: Tyelr Holmes passed for 100 yards and two touchdowns in addition to rushing for 76 yards and a score for Grossmont (2-0). Kenny Krause caught a 71-yard TD pass, Randy Ballard had another and Corbin Dow rushed for 67 yards and a TD. Colton Burke blocked a punt and scored a TD for the Foothillers. Westview falls to 0-2.

Irvine Beckman 21, Eastlake 0: David Branco had a sack and 10 tackles for Eastlake (1-1) while Nicki Alba had eight tackles.

Montgomery 14, El Capitan 0: Qassim Williams rushed for 82 yards, adding 47 yards and a touchdown receiving, to lead Montgomery (1-1). Isaiah Mena Malihan’s 1-yard rush was the other Aztecs TD as the team held El Capitan (0-2) to 48 yards rushing and 79 passing. Isaac Espinosa had 12 tackles, three for a loss and two sacks. Vili Trollinger had 10 tackles, two for losses, and a sack, Jayden Hawkins had eight tackles, two for a loss, a sack, and Andrew Tapia had eight tackles, three for a loss and two sacks. El Capitan is 0-2.

Southwest-San Diego 39, Anchorage Bettey Davis East 21: Samuel Gonzalez gained 115 yards on 22 carries, scoring four touchdowns for Southwest (1-1). Dylan Garcia blocked two punts and scored a TD. Joey Ellis returned an interception for a TD and forced a fumble.

Chula Vista 20, Bonita Vista 14: Gabriel Ruiz rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown while adding 22 yards in receptions for Chula Vista (1-1). Isaiah Heard and Elijah Richardson added TDs for the Spartans. Bonita Vista fell to 0-2.

Olympian 49, Vista 0: Jayden Fuentes passed for 210 yards and four touchdowns for Olympian (2-0). Jordani Estrada had two receiving TDs while Patricio Flatts and Walter Ignacio also scored. The Eagles have outscored their first two foes 85-7. Vista is 0-2.

Mar Vista 50, Victory Christian 12: Mar Vista (2-0) jumped out to a 34-6 lead at halftime with Luke Everett gaining 139 yards on 13 carries, scoring three touchdowns. Steve Santos added 100 yards on 17 carries and a TD. Ciontae Fewell caught six passes for 138 yards and a TD. Braylon Shumate had a 30-yard TD. Victory Christian is 0-2.

Hilltop 29, El Cajon Valley 7: Leo Mendoza scored three touchdowns for Hilltop (1-1). Mendoza gained 148 yards on 17 carries. Alejandro Carranza completed 7 of 11 for 90 yards and scored two rushing TDs. El Cajon Valley is 0-2.

Maranatha Christian 22, Escondido Charter 0: Sawyer Bryant had three catches for 131 yards and a touchdown for Maranatha (1-1). Aaron Tasin rushed seven times for 57 yards and a TD and had nine tackles. Nathan Niguidula had 11 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack. Escondido Charter is 1-1.

Army-Navy 49, Castle Park 6: Landon Schrom scored on a 5-yard run and a 41-yard pass for Army-Navy (2-0). Judah Bogard threw a pair of TD passes, 41 yards to Schrom and 37 yards to Troy Samoa. Vincent Leatherman had a 65-yard TD run and Jonah Tua an 18-yarder. Ryke Broyson and Royce Fielder had interceptions. Castle Park is 1-1.

Moreno Valley Canyon Springs 35, Fallbrook 14: Grant Hall had 12 carries for 96 yards for Fallbrook (1-1). Carter Sanchez returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, Kendahl Collings recovered a fumble.

Las Vegas The Meadows School 36, Tri-City Christian 6: Caleb Williams on a 73-yard pass reception. Ethan Le and Timoy Duncan recovered fumbles.

Point Loma 14, Otay Ranch 7: Braden Bartocci had four tackles for losses, including two sacks for Point Loma (2-0). Carson Allen had six tackles, four for losses. Kobe Kelly had four tackles and a sack. Henry Heuser completed 10 of 20 for 109 yards, plus rushed for 30 yards and two TDs. Otay Ranch fell to 1-1.

University City 35, West Hills 7: Quentyn DeMara completed 18 of 25 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns, plus rushed for 56 yards and a score for UC (2-0). Deshaun Hile rushed for 119 yards. DJ Ferguson caught five passes for 73 yards and two TDs. Quin Obrigewitch had four tackles and one interception. West Hills is 0-2.

Mira Mesa 28, Valhalla 8: Niko Kato had 10 tackles and a sack for Mira Mesa (2-0). Nico Giusti threw for 180 yards and a TD and rushed for a score. Valhalla is 0-2.

Scripps Ranch 25, Downey Warren 7: Parker Armstrong completed 15 of 19 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown for Scripps Ranch (1-1). Malachi Sayles rushed for 137 yards on 24 carries and scored twice. Kale Searles and Ben Wellons each had two sacks.

Canyon Hills 40, Rock Academy 0: Ma’Kahi Fields-Cook carried 13 times for 194 yards and scored two touchdowns, including an 87-yarder, for Canyon Hills (1-1). Taylon Sheriff had three catches for 112 yards and two TDs. Josiah Singh completed 10 of 15 for 156 yards and four TDs. Rock Academy fell to 0-2.

Mission Bay 37, Holtville 24: Trey Arnold completed 32 of 47 passes for 387 yards and five touchdowns for Mission Bay (2-0). Kai Barrios had eight catches for 52 yards and two TDs, plus an interception. Jayden Marcelino and Collin Scott combined for 14 catches for 189 yards and two TDs. Tyler Nixon had two sacks and a forced fumble. Holtville fell to 1-1.

Kearny 12, Monte Vista 6 (OT): Michael Clark had 10 tackles, including two tackles for losses for Kearny (1-1). The Komets scored the winning touchdown on a 21-yard pass from Makai Nguyen to Isaias Crespo. For Monte Vista (1-1), Derrick Taylor completed six passes for 71 yards and the TD to Rahshaun Florence. Xzavier Carpenter caught four passes for 44 yards while Deon Hunter rushed for 63 yards.

Rancho Buena Vista 30, Sweetwater 13: Sweetwater (1-1) got 147 yards passing from Jonathan Figueroa. Abdulkhadir Osman had six receptions for 61 yards and Juan Alvarez caught a TD pass. RBV is 1-1.

Other scores

Mountain Empire 28, Calipatria 22 OT

Indio Shadow Hills 19, Palo Verde Valley 6

Morse 41, Orange Glen 0

Anza Hamilton 27, Foothills Christian 15

Coastal Academy 42, O’Farrell Charter 6

Calexico 20, Southwest-El Centro 0

8-man

Julian 62, Calvin Christian 12

St. Joseph Academy 52, Ross Branson 44: Asher Larkin had six rushing touchdowns for St. Joseph Academy.

Christian vs. Bishop’s, late Saturday

Don Norcross, Steve Brand, Tim Meehan, Breven Honda and Kevin Farmer contributed to this report.

BOX: La Jolla’s Diehl scores 4 different ways in win

With its starting quarterback sidelined, La Jolla High School figured it would need a big game out of senior Carson Diehl against Patrick Henry.

Diehl delivered in a 52-14 win. The San Diego State commit returned two interceptions for touchdowns, returned a punt for a TD and scored TDs on a catch and run. That’s five scores in four different ways.

The interception returns covered 20 and 31 yards. The punt return was for 50 yards. The rushing TD was from 8 yards and the TD catch 10.

Of his game, Diehl said: “That was a good one.”

Before Friday, Diehl had never returned an interception for a score, never returned a punt for a TD nor scored via a run. Diehl started the game at quarterback, played safety on defense and moved back to his favorite position, wide receiver.

La Jolla improved to 1-1 while Henry fell to 0-2.

— DON NORCROSS

Originally Published: August 30, 2025 at 3:58 PM PDT