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1. Is JSerra stronger than you believed?
Yes. I predicted on the OCVarsity Gridiron show that Crean Lutheran would defeat the Lions but JSerra stormed to a 37-29 victory on the road.
Two things about JSerra opened my eyes.
The Lions have a formidable ground attack with their combination of a large offensive line, running back William Fredericksen and mobile quarterbacks Hayes Cloutier and Jack Hilgenberg. Fredericksen had a career-high 25 carries against Crean Lutheran en route to his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game.
Check the 12 personnel formation by JSerra on this TD run by @W_Fredericksen v Crean, Lions employed a lot of double TE formations, reminded me of looks from Santa Margarita previous wk, both teams coached by ex-NFL players who know these packages, SM/JS looking to play physical pic.twitter.com/AGP02CF3CD
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 7, 2026
In another sign that JSerra’s offense will be tough to handle, wide receiver Clark Cokley excels in the short passing attack. The Georgetown commit had eight catches for 70 yards against the Saints to keep the offense moving.
JSerra balanced its power running attack — featuring two tight ends at times — with Cokley as a quick target. That blend could give teams in the Trinity League trouble.
2. What score was the most surprising?
Pacifica 27, Canyon 0. The Mariners have made a believer out of me.
For the second time in this young season, I picked them to lose and for the second time, they proved me wrong.
Yes, Canyon played without arguably its best player — James Munro – but Pacifica left no doubt in collecting a second consecutive shutout.
Zack Dickison is playing like he should have been a Hot 150 selection.
Pacifica jumps three leagues in Orange County Football Conference to the Iota League and looks ready for what is shaping up to be an outstanding race. Cypress and Laguna Hills also are 3-0. Northwood (2-1) and Marina (0-3) have played strong competition.
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3. What 3-0 team is the most unexpected?
Santa Ana Valley is the pick over Valencia and Sonora.
The Falcons are the lone 3-0 in the Tango League and own the second-best power-rating in the group behind Loara (2-1). That’s a major feat for a Valley program that went winless in 2024 and 2025.
And while Santa Ana Valley is pleased with the start, it remains focused on playing host to Bolsa Grande (1-2) on Friday. Bolsa Grande has dropped two consecutive games but opened its season by defeating Garden Grove for the first time since 1996.
4. What player delivered the most eye-popping performance?
Easy. Nolan Scott of Corona del Mar.
Speaking of players who should have been in the Hot 150, Scott jumps to near the top of the list.
His tackle-busting reception in a 27-7 victory against Edison was indeed eye-popping. I watched the reply several times to report that he broke seven tackles — at least — on the play.
Corona del Mar’s @nolanwscott09 went beast mode tonight v Edison, junior is a prob both sides of the ball @CDMFOOTBALL @Khettoc pic.twitter.com/QyvEEZX5aT
— Dan Albano (@ocvarsityguy) September 4, 2026
The junior linebacker and wide receiver also recorded a sack, a diving interception and had three catches for 83 yards.
Scott is another reason to be exciting for Thursday’s Battle of the Bay between Corona del Mar and host Newport Harbor.
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