Poway Dominates Second Half to Claim Division II Title with 62-24 Victory
Fourth-seeded Poway completed their remarkable playoff run with a dominant 62-24 victory over No. 2 Mater Dei Catholic in the CIF San Diego Section Division II championship game at Southwestern College's Devore Stadium, turning a competitive first half into a second-half rout with six touchdowns.
"The terminology helps us be able to adapt, and to be adaptable is something that's effective for offenses," Poway Head Coach Brandon Harris explained after the game. "It takes about a year to get it, and they've learned it now. They're running it really, really well right now."
The Titans' offense showcased their explosiveness early when quarterback Ty Hurst connected with Colin McCann for a 37-yard touchdown strike. McCann had a phenomenal night, recording 168 yards receiving with three touchdown catches (37, 66, and 18 yards) and adding a 14-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep.
"It was just the game plan. Credit to the coaches - they come up with a great game plan and they just have me go out there and execute and make the plays that I know I can make," McCann said after the game, particularly praising Coach Harris and the special teams coordinators.
After Angel Mendoza's 33-yard field goal got Mater Dei Catholic on the board, Poway's offense continued to dominate. The Crusaders showed life when quarterback Kartell Purvis connected with Julian Cromartie for a spectacular 73-yard touchdown pass, but Poway's momentum proved unstoppable.
"The game's always been and always will be about playmakers," Coach Harris noted when discussing his team's offensive performance. "Those that make plays will play, and those guys have made plays for us all season long."
Looking ahead to the Southern California Regionals, Harris remained focused: "Just keep on working. We're going to go do our work, do what we do, go out and compete, and do what we got to do to get ready for whoever we got to face."
For McCann, who celebrated with the championship trophy, the victory was especially sweet. "I'm feeling great, ready to celebrate with my team and just reflect on all the work and how it paid off," he said.
The victory advances Poway (6-7) to the Southern California Regionals, completing a remarkable turnaround for a team that peaked at the perfect time. The Titans, who set a school record for scoring in their semifinal victory, showcased their complete transformation with another dominant offensive performance in the championship game.
El Capitan Claims Division IV Championship with 17-14 Victory Over Westview
The El Capitan Vaqueros' defense proved to be the cornerstone of their second section championship victory in program history, grinding out a hard-fought 17-14 win over the No. 5 seed Westview Wolverines.
The victory marks No. 2 El Capitan's ninth consecutive win and secured them a spot in the CIF Southern California Regionals.
The Vaqueros' defense, led by senior linebacker Evan Ortega, put on a masterful performance. Their relentless pressure resulted in six sacks on Westview quarterback Mason Walsh, with Tyler Easley securing a crucial interception in the final seconds to seal the victory. Aaron Altamirano and Easley's defensive leadership set the tone throughout the game.
El Capitan opened the scoring early when Garrett Luckinbill punched in a five-yard touchdown run following Spencer Chastang's 17-yard punt return. The Wolverines answered quickly when Walsh connected with Miles Miranda on an electrifying 50-yard touchdown pass to even the score at 7-7.
Despite facing offensive challenges with key players sidelined, El Capitan's Brandt Barker managed the game effectively, completing 11 passes for 138 yards, with Ayden Banegas emerging as his primary target with seven receptions for 90 yards. Brody Copp added a one-yard touchdown run before halftime, giving El Capitan a 14-7 lead.
Westview mounted a comeback in the third quarter when Mateo Bresenden scored on a 10-yard run to tie the game. However, Brayden Ford's 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference-maker, securing the championship for El Capitan.
The victory was particularly impressive considering El Capitan's offensive adjustments, playing without their leading rusher Brady Joralemon and dealing with injuries to other key players. Their defense rose to the occasion, holding Westview to just 32 rushing yards on 33 attempts and consistently disrupting their offensive rhythm.
The championship victory sends El Capitan to the Southern California Regionals, with pairings to be announced Sunday, while Westview's season ends with a 6-8 record.
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