{"id":364086,"date":"2025-11-08T08:17:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T08:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/364086\/"},"modified":"2025-11-08T08:17:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T08:17:26","slug":"la-habra-football-lights-up-the-scoreboard-in-playoff-win-over-el-modena-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/364086\/","title":{"rendered":"La Habra football lights up the scoreboard in playoff win over El Modena \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>LA HABRA \u2014 It had been four seasons since La Habra opened the CIF-SS football playoffs with an Orange County opponent.<\/p>\n<p>La Habra coach Frank Mazzotta mentioned how much he was looking forward to facing an OC team, and then his team delivered a convincing 41-7 victory over El Modena in a Division 4 first-round game Friday night at La Habra High.<\/p>\n<p>The Highlanders (8-3) will host Cathedral of Los Angeles in the second round next week.\u00a0The Phantoms beat Western 40-21 on Friday.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mng-gallery-initialized mng-gallery-slider\">\n<li data-index=\"1\" class=\"mng-ge mng-gallery-active\" id=\"mng-ge-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez runs the ball...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"  \/>\n<p>La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez runs the ball into the end zone for score against El Modena in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"2\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena wide receiver Samuel Jackett, center, can\u2019t hang onto...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110808.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena wide receiver Samuel Jackett, center, can\u2019t hang onto a pass as La Habra safety Aaron Castro, left, and defensive back Santi Bautista Cuesta move in during round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"3\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena quarterback Ethan Sorenson is sacked by La Habra...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110804.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena quarterback Ethan Sorenson is sacked by La Habra defenders in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"4\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena quarterback Ethan Sorenson scrambles to make a pass...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110807.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena quarterback Ethan Sorenson scrambles to make a pass against La Habra in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"5\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra quarterback DJ Mitchell gets ready to fire a...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110805.jpg\" \/>\n<p>La Habra quarterback DJ Mitchell gets ready to fire a pass against El Modena in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"6\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-5\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena wide receiver Samuel Jackett is swarmed by La...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110809.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena wide receiver Samuel Jackett is swarmed by La Habra defenders as he is brought down in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"7\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-6\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra quarterback DJ Mitchell, left, scrambles away from El...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110810.jpg\" \/>\n<p>La Habra quarterback DJ Mitchell, left, scrambles away from El Modena\u2019s Aiden Sullivan in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"8\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-7\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena\u2019s Thomas Sheehan breaks up a pass intended for...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110811.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena\u2019s Thomas Sheehan breaks up a pass intended for La Habra wide receiver Bryce Vasquez in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"9\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra wide receiver Bryce Vasquez, right, makes the catch...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110806-1.jpg\" \/>\n<p>La Habra wide receiver Bryce Vasquez, right, makes the catch for a touchdown as El Modena\u2019s Thomas Sheehan tries to defend in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"10\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-9\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez, right, gets a...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110803.jpg\" \/>\n<p>La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez, right, gets a lift from offensive lineman Jacob Morales as they celebrate Mata\u2019Utia\u2019s touchdown against El Modena in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"11\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-10\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena wide receiver Thomas Sheehan fumbles the ball as...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110812.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena wide receiver Thomas Sheehan fumbles the ball as he is hit by a La Habra defender in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"12\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-11\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena tight end Sean De la Riva, right, can\u2019t...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110814.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena tight end Sean De la Riva, right, can\u2019t grab a pass but deflects it to La Habra safety Bobby Brooks, left,for an interception in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"13\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-12\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"El Modena\u2019s Isaac Perez, right, breaks up a pass intended...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110813.jpg\" \/>\n<p>El Modena\u2019s Isaac Perez, right, breaks up a pass intended for La Habra wide receiver Blake Rogers in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-index=\"14\" class=\"mng-ge\" id=\"mng-ge-13\" aria-hidden=\"true\" tabindex=\"-1\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez celebrates as he...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OCR-L-HSFB-ELMO-LH-110802.jpg\" \/>\n<p>La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez celebrates as he crosses the goal line to score a touchdown against El Modena in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 14<\/p>\n<p>La Habra running back Kevika Mata\u2019Utia- Martinez runs the ball into the end zone for score against El Modena in round one of the CIF-SS Division 4 playoffs in La Habra on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Quarterback DJ Mitchell accounted for three total TDs, Kevika Mata\u2019Utia-Martinez ran for 142 yards and two touchdowns, Bryce Vasquez caught six passes for 101 yards and a score, and Bobby Brooks recorded three interceptions for the Highlanders, including a pick-6.<\/p>\n<p>Mazzotta was pleased with the balanced effort.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWell, I always try to be (balanced), you know,\u201d Mazzota said. \u201cI mean, we\u2019re technically a quote unquote \u2018spread team,\u2019 but we are a spread team that runs the ball. We want to be physical in the run game, you know. And it all depends what the defenses do, right? If the box is light, we want to run.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>La Habra also provided impact plays on the other side of the ball as its defense and special teams came up with five overall turnovers (four interceptions, 1 fumble).<\/p>\n<p>Brooks returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter to make it 20-7.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s a special kid,\u201d Mazzota said. \u201cYou know, he\u2019s a great baseball player and he loves football and he knows that this is it. You\u2019re not playing football anymore after this. So it really means a lot to him, you know, as a high school football player.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mitchell connected with Vasquez on a 41-yard strike to make it 27-7 midway through the third quarter. Mitchell also added a 1-yard score in the fourth, to go with his 19-yard rushing TD that opened the scoring in the first quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Mata\u2019Utia-Martinez collected rushing TDs in the second and fourth quarter, as he ran with a purpose of looking to finish each run with more yards after contact. He seemed to wear down the El Modena defense as the game carried on into the second half.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s that kind of guy, you know, the more touches he gets, the better he gets,\u201d Mazzotta said.<\/p>\n<p>Vanguards QB Ethan Sorenson was harassed by the Highlanders defensive front as they were able to apply pressure, forcing some quick throws.<\/p>\n<p>El Modena (5-6) was able to close the gap before the first half ended with their only scoring drive of the night.<\/p>\n<p>They took advantage of a couple of 15-yard penalties called on La Habra to help keep their drive alive. Sorenson found Sam Jackett for a short 4-yard TD pass with 18 seconds left in the second quarter.<\/p>\n<p>Mazzotta is thrilled for the opportunity to host another postseason game next week.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA second-round home game is amazing, you know?,\u201d Mazzota said. \u201cIt\u2019ll be fun. We haven\u2019t had a second-round home game in a long time, you know? Been on the road a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"LA HABRA \u2014 It had been four seasons since La Habra opened the CIF-SS football playoffs with an&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":364087,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5123],"tags":[1582,276,18131,3102,2961,224,6080,5337,1036,62],"class_list":{"0":"post-364086","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-california","10":"tag-high-school-football","11":"tag-high-school-sports","12":"tag-la","13":"tag-los-angeles","14":"tag-los-angeles-county","15":"tag-losangeles","16":"tag-orange-county","17":"tag-sports"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115513095065684671","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/364086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=364086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/364086\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/364087"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=364086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=364086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=364086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}