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1. How serious of a contender is Villa Park in the Bravo League?
The Spartans (5-0) look formidable despite playing a nonleague schedule that turned out to be weak.
As Villa Park raced to another lopsided victory against Lakewood, it showcased a balanced offense with quarterback Jacob Titchenal, running back Coy Collins and an assortment of wide receivers.
The Spartans have playmakers on defense such as Ethan Hedrick and Maverick DeClark, and a strong kicker in Dalton Lang.
The nonleague schedule wasn’t all Villa Park’s fault.
Western and Long Beach Wilson were much stronger in 2025, but the lack of challenges leaves a question mark about the Spartans going into the Bravo League.
Most of their opponents in the league tested themselves in the nonleague portion of their schedule.
The Bravo League owns a composite record of 27-3, so being prepared will be vital.
If Villa Park defeats Corona del Mar (5-0) on Friday at El Modena High, watch out.
The Spartans could beat La Habra the following week and head to SoFi Stadium for a game against Tustin in Week 8 with a 7-0 record.
Postgame w/ Villa Park football coach @dancich after the Spartans beat Lakewood 51-0 to improve to 5-0, Spartans were in minor bus accident en route to game @VPHSathletics @vpfootballupdts pic.twitter.com/OpcKnnaWD9
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 25, 2026
2. What score was the most surprising?
El Dorado 26, Troy 12.
The Golden Hawks outscored Troy 13-0 in the second half to earn their best victory of the season and build momentum for their Foxtrot League opener against Orange (5-0) on Friday at Valencia High.
El Dorado’s 14-point margin of victory and offensive output impressed.
The Golden Hawks were coming off a 20-point loss to El Modena and handled No. 25 Troy.
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This week, I voted El Dorado No. 25 in the Orange County Top 25 poll. I considered Pacifica (5-0) for the No. 25 spot but sided with El Dorado based on strong wins against Troy and Fullerton.
3. What 5-0 team is the most unexpected?
Of the 13 undefeated teams remaining in Orange County, Sonora is the most surprising.
The Raiders finished 1-9 last season but have made major strides under second-year coach Andrew Cedergren.
They have outscored their opponents 192-38. They posted a quality win against Sunny Hills. And they own the highest power-rating in the Lambda League on hsratings.com.
Sonora adds several sit-out transfers this week as it opens league against Fountain Valley (2-3), another improved team that has played a difficult schedule.
The winner of Friday’s game at La Habra High could emerge as the Lambda League champion.
The county’s other undefeated teams are: Santa Margarita, San Clemente, Capistrano Valley, Corona del Mar, La Habra, Villa Park, Dana Hills, El Modena, Huntington Beach, Orange, Pacifica and Rancho Alamitos
4. What player delivered the most eye-popping performance in Week 5?
El Dorado’s Justin Karg.
The senior had seven catches for 125 yards and two TDs in a victory against Troy. He also threw a touchdown pass on a trick play and had an interception.
For the season, Karg has 25 receptions for 535 yards and seven touchdowns. He has three interceptions.
Game 5 stats!
26-12 W
7 rec, 125 yds, 2 tds
1 passing td
1 int@coachlamonda @edhsathletics @EDHSFOOTBALL @ocvarsityguy @CoachDiedrick @CoachDP714 @_brockdunn @DaydenHunn @DavidDelgado_OC @OC_Recruits pic.twitter.com/MXXEKXAHmURead more Izakaya Osen chef to open two Japanese concepts at OCVibe
— Justin Karg (@justinkarg15) September 26, 2026