Costa Mesa CA- Whenever two nationally ranked teams face off against each other its sure to be action-packed all four quarters. After coming off a dominating game against Downey 46-7. Sierra Canyon sought to maintain this momentum against a familiar foe, Orange Lutheran. Sure enough, they were able to get the win and make a massive statement against every team that they will be facing later.
Orange Lutheran looked poised for an upset early, capitalizing on an interception return to Sierra Canyon’s 5-yard line on the opening drive. But after being forced to settle for a field goal, the Lancers saw momentum quickly swing to the Trailblazers.
Sierra Canyon answered immediately, marching downfield for a touchdown and a 7–3 lead. The Trailblazers then took control of the first quarter, adding a second passing touchdown from quarterback Laird Finkel to Brayden Tautolo, followed by a dazzling 65-yard punt return score from Havon Finney Jr. Despite a missed extra point, Sierra Canyon ended the first quarter up 20–3.
The second quarter brought more of the same. After an interception by Kasi Currie, running back Jaxsen Stokes powered his way into the end zone for the first of his three rushing touchdowns on the night. Sierra Canyon extended its lead to 27–3 before OLU found life on special teams—Matthew Zapien blocked a punt and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown. The Lancers, however, missed the extra point and entered halftime trailing 27–9.
The second half belonged entirely to Sierra Canyon. Stokes added two more rushing touchdowns, including a bruising 3-yard score and a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter, as the Trailblazers built a commanding 41–9 advantage heading into the fourth. The defense sealed the victory with relentless pressure, highlighted by sacks from Trey Brown and multiple drive-ending interceptions, including a key pick by Madden Riordan late in the fourth.
Orange Lutheran struggled offensively without starting quarterback Reagan Toki, who was absent from the sideline. Backup quarterbacks Ezra Brown and Jared Juliano couldn’t generate enough consistency against Sierra Canyon’s physical defense, and the Lancers failed to score an offensive touchdown.
For Sierra Canyon (5–0), the win further validates their top-15 national ranking and makes a strong statement heading into league play. Orange Lutheran (3–2), meanwhile, will regroup during a bye week before facing another powerhouse, Mater Dei, on October 3.
Final Score: Sierra Canyon 41, Orange Lutheran 9
