Football closed out the regular season with a 3-7 record overall. They were 2-4 in the Valley League, good for fifth of seven teams. Their defense was led by Mateo Bresenden (12) who, with a record 13 sacks, made the statewide top 12 players in sacks this season. 

The special teams group has also made their mark this season with punter Jackson Magnus (11) holding the highest punt average in the league and Miles Miranda (10) leading the league in total return yards. The team also had a successful fake punt against Valley Center to top off special teams’ strong season.

After a 31-0 loss to Valley Center to end the regular season, Oct. 25, players said that they have shifted their focus to the CIF playoffs, building off what they have learned from the season. Playoff seedings and matchups will be determined this weekend. Receiver and defensive back Daniel O’Donnell (11) has moved past their last few games to focus  on the future.

“The game is in the back of our minds now and we are only focused on the playoffs moving forward,” O’Donnell said. “Our record is now irrelevant.” 

With the team having a bye on the final week of the regular season, the rest of the league teams will play today to decide the ranking and seed; this will determine the date and location of the first CIF game. With over a week between games, the team has more time than usual to prepare. Captain and quarterback Mason Walsh (12) said he wants the team to continue to work hard.

“We are working on our timing on offense so we are all on the same page,” Walsh said.

As the season has gone on, the team has better developed their offense with more option plays with the running back and the quarterback in the red zone which has been a main way of their scoring. Since all three of the team’s wins were home games, the team predicts they’ll have a better chance with the possible upcoming home game. O’Donnell said the team performs much better on the Westview field with the support of the Black Hole. 

“A home playoff game would be a huge advantage with our home crowd there supporting us,” O’Donnell said.

Despite the season’s tough patches, including losses from the last three games, Walsh said that the team has held onto their team camaraderie.

“The most important part of the season has been us sticking together as a team and continuing to try and get better each week,” Walsh said. “We are locked in and excited for playoffs.”