Prep Football: High-Powered Mount Miguel Hosts Defensive-Minded Santa Fe Christian in Playoff Showdown

In a highly anticipated first-round clash in the CIF San Diego Section Division I playoffs, the fifth-seeded Mount Miguel Matadors (8-2) are set to host the twelfth-seeded Santa Fe Christian Eagles (9-1) tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Spring Valley. Both teams bring unique styles to the field, promising an intense battle with a ticket to the quarterfinals on the line.

This matchup marks only the fourth meeting between the two programs, with Santa Fe Christian holding a 3-0 lead in the series. The Eagles last faced the Matadors in Spring 2021, securing a 28-14 victory. The series began in 2018 with an electrifying, high-scoring affair that saw Santa Fe Christian triumph 42-32. As both teams prepare to meet again, they look to make history in the Division I bracket.

For Santa Fe Christian, this game represents their Division I playoff debut after a successful run in lower divisions. Meanwhile, Mount Miguel is making just their third-ever appearance in the Division I playoffs and is aiming to capture its first victory in this bracket, following losses in 1995 and 2014 to Point Loma.

The Eagles’ season has been defined by their defensive dominance, allowing just 8.8 points per game. They’ll need every bit of that defensive prowess against a Mount Miguel offense averaging 44.3 points per game, led by one of the region’s most prolific passing attacks.

Mount Miguel’s high-octane offense is engineered by junior quarterback AJ Stowers, who has emerged as one of the top passers in the section. Stowers has thrown for 2,773 yards and 31 touchdowns with a 67.8% completion rate. His go-to receiver, junior AJ Logan, has been stellar, hauling in 53 receptions for 947 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Ezelle Buchanan has been equally impactful with 33 catches, 537 yards, and a team-high 12 touchdowns.

The Matadors boast depth in their receiving corps, adding multiple weapons to Stowers' arsenal. Junior Parris Vernon has contributed 523 yards and two touchdowns on 32 receptions, while junior Brandon Arrington has added 431 yards and three scores on 24 catches. Junior DJ Wilkins rounds out the receiving group with 12 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown, but also look out for sophomore athlete Delontay Williams, who has two touchdown receptions and an interception on defense. This stacked receiving corps makes Mount Miguel’s passing game a challenge for any defense in the county.

On the ground, the Matadors have a balanced attack that complements their passing game. Junior running back KJ Shields leads the rushing unit with 532 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 8.7 yards per carry. Junior Zane Rottier and sophomore Jayden Hunter provide additional depth, with Rottier tallying 265 yards and four touchdowns, and Hunter adding 355 yards and six scores. Even quarterback Stowers has contributed to the ground game, rushing for 202 yards and three touchdowns to highlight his dual-threat ability.

The Matadors' defense is anchored by sophomore linebacker Dominic Lopez (70 tackles) and senior defensive ends Easton Sanchez (6 sacks) and Avery Morris (3 sacks). The secondary is powered by all-league selections Braylon Cardwell and Arrington.

Santa Fe Christian counters with a balanced offense that averages 175 rushing yards and 146.3 passing yards per game. Sophomore quarterback Dax Labrum has proven efficient in leading the Eagles’ offense, throwing for 1,380 yards and 18 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Senior PJ Rogers heads up a reliable backfield committee with 479 yards and three touchdowns, while senior Magnus Falkiewicz has added 348 yards and seven scores to bolster the Eagles' rushing attack.

Defensively, Santa Fe Christian has been a force, allowing them to control games with their stingy play. Led by junior linebacker Cole Hajjar, who averages 7.5 tackles per game, and senior defensive end Parker Guiltinan, the Eagles have recorded 24 sacks and forced 21 turnovers this season. This defensive unit will look to pressure Stowers and contain Mount Miguel’s wide range of offensive threats.

While Santa Fe Christian’s defense has been the backbone of their 9-1 season, tonight’s game will be their toughest challenge yet against an explosive Mount Miguel offense. The Matadors’ ability to score quickly and often could force Santa Fe Christian out of their comfort zone, pressuring them to keep pace on the scoreboard. However, if the Eagles can establish their run game and control the clock, they might find a way to neutralize the Matadors’ offensive firepower.

The winner of tonight’s contest will advance to face the fourth-seeded El Camino in the quarterfinals next week.

Sources: MaxPreps.com, PartletonSports.com