Prep Football: Week 2 Preview - Revenge, Records, and Showdowns

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

After a thrilling opening week that saw statement wins and fantastic finishes, Week 2 of the 2025 San Diego high school football season should deliver another slate of can't-miss action. From a historic revenge game under the lights to a potential record-breaking performance and a clash of Top 10 unbeatens, here's what to watch.

#5 La Costa Canyon Mavericks (1-0) at #7 Mount Miguel Matadors (1-0)

Mount Miguel announced its presence with a thrilling, hard-fought 28-27 win over a very talented San Marcos team. Quarterback Jeremiah Loper was the star in his first career start, accounting for three touchdowns and leading his team to a crucial early-season victory.

They face a La Costa Canyon team that was utterly dominant in a 43-14 rout of St. Augustine. While the Mavericks' rushing attack, led by Coby Herman, is always a threat, the sheer dominance of their win suggests a complete team performance.

This game is a classic stylistic matchup: Mount Miguel's dynamic, pass-happy attack led by Loper versus LCC's traditionally powerful ground game and physical defense. Can the Matadors' defense contain Herman and the Mavs' O-line? Can LCC's secondary slow down Loper? The answers will tell us a lot about the balance of power this season.

Tesoro (Rancho Santa Margarita) (1-0) at #9 San Marcos Knights (0-1)

Despite a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Mount Miguel, San Marcos quarterback Kreet Makihele had a historic night. His two touchdown passes brought his career total to 97, moving him past former Grossmont quarterback and current head coach Anthony Lawrence for 4th on the Section's all-time list. With a strong performance, he could not only secure the Knights' first win but become the 4th player in San Diego Section history to reach 100 touchdown passes. Keep an eye, too, on do-it-all playmaker Zamar Reese, who was a force on the ground and through the air in Week 1.

CIFSDS All-Time Touchdown Pass Leaders

Braxton Burmeister (LJCD), 127

Jeffrey Jackson (Bishop's), 114

Brodie Stump (Kearny), 106

Kreet Makihele (San Marcos), 97

Anthony Lawrence (Grossmont), 96

Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, CA) (0-1) at #1 Lincoln Hornets (1-0)

In their first home game since the 2023 Open Division semifinal, the Lincoln Hornets will christen their new home field with a heavyweight rematch.

Last season, Lincoln traveled to Long Beach and delivered a stunning 42-14 shellacking of the traditional powerhouse Jackrabbits. Poly, a program built on pride and history, has undoubtedly had this game circled on its calendar ever since. They will be desperate to avoid an 0-2 start and reclaim their status after a tough 14-3 defensive battle loss to Leuzinger in Week 1.

For Lincoln, they will look to replicate their explosive Week 1 performance. The Hornets' offense was a well-oiled machine in a 57-29 rout of Hawaii’s Punahou. First-year starting QB Jordan Roa was remarkably efficient (15/19, 167 yds, 1 TD), while Rashad Robinson (148 yds, 2 TDs, including a 98-yard house call) and receiver Dereyen Bridges (8 catches, 106 yds) provided explosive plays at will.

This game pits Poly's defense, which held strong in a low-scoring loss, against Lincoln's multifaceted offensive attack. The Jackrabbits will seek to control the clock and keep Lincoln's playmakers off the field. For the Hornets, getting the first win on their new turf is all the motivation they need. Expect a physical, emotional, and electric atmosphere at the Hive.

More Key Games:

Oceanside (0-1) at #6 Carlsbad (1-0)

San Pasqual (1-0) at Torrey Pines (1-0)

La Jolla Country Day (1-0) at Mt. Carmel (1-0)

Mira Mesa (1-0) at Valhalla (1-0)

Point Loma (1-0) at Otay Ranch (1-0)

JuCo: Kings of the County will be a three-way battle this season

Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography

Mesa Eyes Three-Peat as Kings of the County

San Diego Mesa College enters the 2025 season with momentum from a solid 8-3 campaign (5-2 conference) in 2024, providing a strong foundation for continued success. The biggest storyline heading into the season will be the quarterback competition, as the team must replace Jax Leatherwood, who threw for 2,472 yards and 26 touchdowns last season before taking his talent to Southwest Missouri State. While no starter has been announced publicly, Sophomore Reggie Johnson, who saw limited action in 2024, will likely compete with incoming freshmen Jackson Emerson (Point Loma) and Tyson Line (Mira Mesa). The success of Mesa's 2025 campaign could depend on which quarterback emerges and how quickly they can develop chemistry with a talented receiving corp.

Despite standout receiver Jalil Tucker heading to Oregon State following an award-winning 2024 campaign, the offensive foundation looks promising with several key returning players and strong depth at skill positions. Derek McClintic (Vista) returns at running back after a solid 2024 season where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry, while the receiving corps features experienced targets like Makai Gray-Virgil (Lincoln), and Conor Lawlor (Scripps Ranch), who contributed 446 yards and six touchdowns last season. A major weapon in the passing game will be tight end Chance Bell (Mira Mesa), who returns as one of the top tight ends in the state and should provide the new QB1 with a reliable target. The offensive line includes former Lincoln High standout Journey Tala, Ayden Dolan (Santana), and Joseph Hunt (Steele Canyon).

Defensively, Mesa returns several contributors, including All-Conference linebacker Cooper Mau (La Costa Canyon) and defensive back Chris Fewell (Lincoln). They'll need to replace some graduated talent while maintaining their aggressive style. The team's strong local recruiting base and balanced offensive weapons should keep them competitive in conference play, but integrating new starters at quarterback and along the offensive line will be key factors in determining whether they can match or exceed last season's run. With experienced receivers, a promising backfield, and a defense built on creating turnovers, Mesa has the pieces in place for another successful season.