_SCT_Football_2026

2026

TRITON

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

YOUR GUIDE TO THE SEASON: GAME PREVIEWS, KEY PLAYERS AND MORE! San Clemente Times August 13- August 19, 2026

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2026: TRITON FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BY S E B A S T I A N S A N C H E Z

T

he depressing image of Los Alamitos celebrating a CIF-Southern Section Division 2 championship on the turf at Thalassa Stadium still lingers for the San Clemente High football team.

After finishing 9-5 and advancing to the CIF title game in 2025, the Tritons enter 2026 with unfinished business. Although SCHS graduated 22 seniors from last year’s team, coach Jaime Ortiz believes the program has the talent, experience and leadership necessary to make

San Clemente Times August 13- August 19, 2026

another deep postseason run.

Much of that confidence comes from the return of several impact players, including junior quarterback Preston Beck and two-way senior standout Jaxson Rex. The Tritons have had an impressive offseason ahead of this season’s demanding schedule, which kicks off this Thursday, Aug. 13, in Kauai.

Last season, after losing their league opener to Mission Viejo High in mid-October to fall to 4-4, the Tritons made a quarterback change that sparked an im-

pressive turnaround. With Beck calling signals, the Tritons won five consecutive games to reach the CIF championship game.

The Tritons defeated Los Alamitos and Edison to close out the regular season and finish second in the Alpha League, then began their postseason surge with a 38-21 comeback victory over Beaumont High highlighted by Beck’s touchdown passes to Thomas Alexander. They then went on to defeat Vista Murrieta High, 32-7, on the strength of three de-

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fensive touchdowns and then shut down Leuzinger’s high-powered offense in a 35-7 romp. That set the stage for their title-game showdown against league rival Los Alamitos High.

San Clemente defeated the Griffins, 28-9, during league play, but the Griffins turned the tables in the championship game. Despite taking an early 17-3 lead, Los Alamitos flipped a switch behind their explosive rushing attack. Kamden See TRITONS on page 3

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TRITONS from page 2 Tillis and Lenny Ibarra were too much for the Tritons’ defense to handle, with Tillis rushing for 131 yards and three touchdowns and Ibarra adding 99 yards on the ground.

Ortiz said the championship game was a battle of two strong teams with quality coaching staffs, and “two to three plays” changed the game’s trajectory. Despite coming up short, Ortiz says the returning players are “hungry” and motivated to make another title game appearance.

That work began months ago.

San Clemente held its 13th annual NCAA Showcase in May, which included Newport Harbor High, Capistrano Valley High and Anaheim High. They won the 4 Vert 7v7 tournament in March. The Tritons also competed in the Brave 8 Invitational at St. John Bosco, where they finished 4-1 before falling in the semifinals.

They also captured the Ocean View Seahawk Shootout open division title.

Ortiz, who’s entering his 15th season as head coach, feels his team had a “pretty good offseason” and that his players have been competing at a high level.

The challenge ahead will be even greater this season with an expanded Alpha League. Bravo League teams San Juan Hills High and Yorba Linda High join San Clemente, Mission Viejo High, Los Alamitos High and Edison High this year to make it a powerful six-team league — the toughest in the county next to the Trinity

San Clemente Times August 13- August 19, 2026

League.

Mission Viejo swept through Alpha League competition in 2025 to secure the title. San Juan Hills is coming off a season in which the Stallions had to forfeit several games after using an ineligible player.

Yorba Linda went undefeated in the Bravo League last year.

The Tritons will also begin the season with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For the first time since 2004, San Clemente will travel to Kauai to open the season against Kapa’a High. Ortiz explained that they don’t allow many mainland teams to play on the island, noting their long-standing relationships helped make the trip possible.

Offense: Beck leads talented returning playmakers Beck’s emergence changed the trajectory of San Clemente’s season, and the Tritons expect the junior quarterback to build on that success this fall. He replaced Eiler King after the offense struggled against Mission Viejo, helping spark the Tritons’ run to the CIF-SS Division 2 championship game.

As a sophomore, Beck led the Tritons to a 6-1 record, passing for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns and earning All-Alpha League second-team honors.

See TRITONS on page 4

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TRITONS from page 3 The son of former BYU and NFL quarterback John Beck, Preston has already collected scholarship offers from BYU, Colorado State and Nevada. Ortiz believes Beck’s football intelligence and ability to handle pressure separate him from most players his age.

“For him, I think the sky is the limit, and there’s still areas for him to improve,” Ortiz said about Beck, mentioning he’s the face of the program.

The coach also said Beck took the championship loss especially hard, which has only fueled his motivation heading into his junior campaign. Much of the quarterback’s development has been influenced by his father, whom Ortiz described as “one of the top QBs coaches in the nation.”

But the Tritons’offensive identity won’t rest solely on Beck’s shoulders.

With Carson Sloan graduating after rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, senior Colin Granite is expected to assume a much larger role in the backfield. Granite rushed for 234 yards and nine touchdowns last season while serving as Sloan’s backup, but an impressive offseason has positioned him to become the featured option.

Granite has worked hard in the weight room, putting on about 15 pounds. “He’s

got the quickness,” Ortiz said. “He’s also got the strength now to go through you or go around you. He has real good hands out of the backfield. He’s a tough, hard-nosed runner.”

The Tritons also return one of the county’s most dynamic players in Jaxson Rex. The BYU commit hauled in 63 receptions for 856 yards and 10 touchdowns, while making an equally significant impact as a defensive back. Rex was named co-CIF Defensive Player of the Year for Division 2 and earned first-team All-Alpha League recognition.

“He accomplished a lot as a junior, and I think that there’s still room to grow as a senior,” Ortiz said about Rex. Thomas Alexander, who posted 628 yards and five touchdowns, was a big reason for the team’s success during their playoff run. His departure opens the door for recent San Juan Hills transfer Ryan Matheson. Matheson transferred in after totaling 113 receptions, 1,336 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns during the past two seasons.

Ortiz praised Matheson’s playmaking ability. He went on to say that it’ll be hard for defenses to key on him and Rex when they’re both on the field. “Both guys can go over the top anytime,” Ortiz said.

The tight end position remains an important piece of San Clemente’s offense despite the graduation of Shane Kiley,

who is now at San Jose State. Jett Wright is expected to step into a larger role after gaining valuable experience as a backup last season.

Along the offensive line, center Brody Ragland provides leadership and contiSee TRITONS on page 5

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TRITONS from page 4 nuity as a two-year starter. “He’s a guy that is going to touch the ball every single play,” Ortiz said about Ragland. “Having a return of that experience is a big boost for our offense.”

Trey Humphrey, who played exclusively along the defensive line last season, is also expected to contribute at right tackle. Ortizhighlighted Humphrey’s high GPA and believes he’ll have no problem contributing on both sides of the ball.

Defense: Tritons reload after several key departures The Tritons’ defense lost several important contributors, including standout defensive end Joshua Kerst and leading tackler Patrick Norman. Kerst concluded his high school career with 17 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss, while Norman had 119 tackles last season.

Ortiz believes the foundation remains strong.

“We did lose some guys, but we also have guys back with a lot of experience,” he said when asked about the turnover.

Payton Proffitt headlines a defensive front that also includes Drew Della Vedova and Humphrey, all of whom gained meaningful experience last season. Proffitt had 42 tackles and two sacks in 2025.

At linebacker, the Tritons are excited about the development of Jack Weller and Declan Sawyers. Weller was productive as a sophomore, finishing second on the team with 100 tackles and earning first-team All-Alpha League honors. Ortiz described him as a physical run defender with excellent instincts and views him as the leader of the defense.

Sawyers made the most of his opportunities as well, compiling 33 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks. His combination of speed, size and athleticism should make him one of the team’s most disruptive edge defenders.

Meanwhile, the secondary will once again be anchored by Rex and Cade Hogan. Hogan finished with 81 tackles and three forced fumbles while emerging as one of the defense’s leaders. Ortiz said that he has the size and physicality to play outside linebacker.

Rex recorded five interceptions, eight pass breakups and nearly 50 tackles as a junior. Ortiz said the senior athlete “lets his play do the talking.”

Alpha League Preview The expanded Alpha League should provide even more late-season drama and tougher competition. The Tritons haven’t won a league title since 2023.

“It’s a good, tough league, and it’s exactly what we want,” Ortiz said.

San Clemente opens league play against Yorba Linda, which earned promotion after several strong seasons in the Bravo League. Quarterback Noah Trujillo returns alongside receiver Troy Roberts and versatile playmaker Isaiah Trujillo, giving the Mustangs one of the league’s more experienced cores.

No opponent looms larger than the reigning CIF-SS Division 2 champions. The Tritons’ Oct. 9 rematch against Los Alamitos will be highly anticipated. Although head coach Ray Fenton has departed for Orange Lutheran and standout tight end Beckham Hofland graduated, Tillis remains one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Mission Viejo hasn’t lost a league game since 2023. Although quarterback Luke Fahey departed for Ohio State, the Diablos return a talented group of pass catchers, including Jack Junker, Luke Karby and KJ Woodbury Jr. as they look to defend their league title.

San Juan Hills looks to rebound after last season’s forfeitures, though the Stallions still earned an at-large playoff berth and won their postseason opener. Former SCHS quarterbacks Preston Getz and Eiler King are competing for the starting job,

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while receiver Luke Frith returns after topping 1,000 receiving yards.

The Tritons will close league play against an Edison team that pushed SCHS to the limit last year before Hogan sealed a 10-9 victory with a diving interception in the end zone. Quarterback Sam Thomson, running back Samuel Edmisten and linebacker Ashton Godley all return for the Chargers.

SCHS 2026 Football Schedule Aug. 13 at Kapa’a High in Kauai Aug. 21 vs. Tustin High at Thalassa Stadium Sept. 4 at Chaparral High Sept. 11 at La Costa Canyon Sept. 25 at Murrieta Valley High Oct. 2 vs. Yorba Linda High at Thalassa Stadium * Oct. 9 at Los Alamitos High * Oct. 16 vs. Mission Viejo High at Thalassa Stadium * Oct. 23 at San Juan Hills High * Oct. 30 vs. Edison High at Thalassa Stadium * * denotes Alpha League game SCHS has two bye weeks: Aug, 28 and Sept. 18

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Players to Watch (OFFENSE)

PL AYER SP OT LIG H T

BY SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ

QB PRESTON BECK

After taking over as starter in mid-season in 2025, Beck sparked a turnaround and led the Tritons to a 6-1 record en route to the CIF-SS Division 2 championship game as a sophomore. He passed for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Coach Jaime Ortiz praised his football intelligence and ability to work under pressure, saying the “sky is the limit” for him.

RB COLIN GRANITE

Workhorse running back Carson Sloan (1,264 all-purpose yards and 11 TDs) leaves a big void to fill. Granite is expected to be the lead back following his nine-touchdown season. He’s a different type of player given his quickness and pass-catching ability.

Ortiz said he’s added about 15 pounds ahead of his senior year.

San Clemente Times August 13- August 19, 2026

TE JETT WRIGHT

With reliable tight end Shane Kiley now playing at San Jose State, Wright is next in line.

He gained some experience last season but is expected to take on a larger role in 2026. Ortiz described him as a well-rounded player, highlighting his physical presence on the field, ability to catch passes and his blocking skills.

OL BRODY RAGLAND

San Clemente returns its main communicator on the offensive line.

Ragland, a two-year varsity starter, is a key piece to the offensive nucleus.

Ortiz said the center has had a good offseason in the weight room, and his experience is a “big boost” for the team. He was named to the All-Alpha League second team in 2025.

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2025

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WR RYAN MATHESON

The San Juan Hills transfer recorded 1,336 yards on 113 receptions and 11 TDs the past two seasons. His playmaking ability has impressed his new coach. He had a strong summer and quickly learned the playbook.

Matheson and Rex will be a problem for opposing defenses.

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Players to Watch (DEFENSE)

PL AYER SP OT LIG H T

BY SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ

DL PAYTON PROFFITT

LB JACK WELLER

For the second season in a row, Proffitt is one of the five defensive players highlighted by Ortiz.

Proffitt headlines the defensive line after his 42-tackle, two-sack 2025 season. He has shown the versatility to play linebacker. He plays with a relentless motor, and his effort stands out on the field.

During his sophomore campaign, Weller had the second-most tackles on the team with 100. His role on the second level of the defense will continue to grow. Ortiz described him as a physical presence against the run, highlighted his tremendous football IQ and said he views Weller as a defensive captain.

LB DECLAN SAWYERS

Sawyers saw some valuable playing time as a sophomore last season. He made the most of his opportunities, compiling 33 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks (third-most). His speed and athleticism, combined with his size (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), make him a force on the edge.

DB JAXSON REX

The Tritons’ two-way star is always on the field. The BYU commit led the team in receiving yards (856), receptions (63), receiving touchdowns (10), interceptions (five) and return yards (558) last season, earning first-team, All-OC honors. He’s a ball-hawking safety on defense and one of the county’s best two-way players.

DB CADE HOGAN

The Tritons are returning another key piece and leader in the secondary. In his junior season, Hogan had the third-most tackles (81) and caused four turnovers. Ortiz said he has the size and physicality to play outside LB. Hogan helped his team clinch a playoff berth with a diving interception in the end zone.

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2026 SAN CLEMENTE

GAME PREVIEWS

BY SEBASTIAN SANCHEZ

GAME 1

AUGUST 13

GAME 2

AUGUST 21

GAME 3

SEPTEMBER 4

GAME 4

SEPTEMBER 11

GAME 5

SEPTEMBER 25

AT KAPA’A HIGH

VS. TUSTIN HIGH

AT CHAPARRAL HIGH

AT LA COSTA CANYON HIGH

AT MURRIETA VALLEY

Coach: Philip Rapozo 2025 Record: 8-2, 6-0 in the Kauai Football League (1st) 2025 vs. SCHS: Did not play Season Outlook: For the first time since 2004, the San Clemente High football team will return to Kauai. The Tritons open the 2026 season this Thursday at BJB Sports Complex against Kapa’a High. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players to travel to the island and play against a formidable opponent. Kapa’a has won two HHSAA football state championships (2021 and 2024) and almost added another this past season. The Warriors lost a low-scoring title game to Kailua High, 13-9. Kapa’a was undefeated in the Kauai Football League and finished the season with an 8-2 record under head coach Philip Rapozo.

Coach: Anthony Lopez 2025 Record: 9-2, 5-0 in the Delta League (1st) 2024 vs. SCHS 30-17 Tustin Season Outlook: San Clemente lost its season opener last year at Tustin High, 30-17. The Tillers pulled ahead in the second quarter and held a two-possession lead at halftime. They entered the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs on a six-game winning streak, but Rancho Cucamonga High dominated Tustin in the first round, winning, 45-8. They went undefeated in the Delta League and finished 9-2.

They are set to return their top offensive players, including QB Ayden Edwards, who threw for 2,079 yards and 21 TDs as a sophomore. His two leading receivers, Hayden Koo and Jeremiah Salvant, as well as top RB Elijah Robinson, also return.

Coach: Andrew Ramer 2025 Record: 7-5, 3-2 in the Big-West Upper League 2025 vs. SCHS: 35-34 Tritons Season Outlook: The Tritons will travel to Temecula to face the Pumas. These teams faced off early last season, with the Tritons prevailing after an unsuccessful PAT attempt to win by a point.

Chaparral scored 63 points against Chaminade High to open the postseason, then lost, 19-16, to Leuzinger High.

Dane Weber, a four-star Cal commit, posted spectacular numbers in his junior season: 3,645 passing yards, 688 rushing yards and 55 total TDs. The offense returns three playmakers who posted over 1,000 yards: RB Trevor Schneider, WR Michael “Kiko” Farinas and WR Eli Woodard. In 2025, the Pumas scored 501 points but allowed 419.

Coach: Sean Sovacool 2025 Record: 9-2, 3-1 in the Avocado League 2025 vs. SCHS: 28-14 La Costa Canyon Season Outlook: La Costa Canyon High defeated the Tritons, 28-14, in 2025 behind a dominant performance by since-graduated RB Coby Herman, who’s now playing at UC Davis. Herman rushed for 239 yards and two touchdowns at Thalassa Stadium in 2025.

The Mavericks face many changes on both sides of the ball. On offense, they lost their starting QB, Quinn Roth, dual-threat RB Herman and top WR Jackson Maggiore. Roth has passed for over 2,000 yards and 30 TDs in back-to-back seasons. Herman had 2,072 all-purpose yards and 25 total TDs in 2025, while Maggiore had 903 yards and 10 TDs.

Coach: George Wilson 2025 Record: 9-4, 3-2 in the Big-West Upper League 2025 vs. SCHS: 26-14 Murrieta Valley Season Outlook: Jeremiah Watson rushed for 207 yards and two TDs last season to lift Murrieta Valley High past San Clemente, 26-14. Watson had an outstanding senior season, rushing for 1,429 yards and 21 TDs, leaving the Nighthawks with significant production to replace. It’s unclear who will be the starting running back. The offense will lean on junior QB Ty Isaia, who has offers from Ole Miss, Purdue and Colorado State. The dual-threat QB had 1,784 passing yards, 530 rushing yards and 25 total TDs in 2025. His top receiving option, Kayden Borden, is back after a 690-yard, 7-TD season.

AT KAPA’A, HAWAII (KAUAI)

GAME 6

OCTOBER 2

AT SCHS

GAME 7

OCTOBER 9

AT EL CAJON

GAME 8

OCTOBER 16

VS. YORBA LINDA

AT LOS ALAMITOS HIGH

VS. MISSION VIEJO

Coach: John Domen 2025 Record: 9-2, 5-0 in the Bravo League 2025 vs. SCHS: Did not play Season Outlook: The Tritons will open Alpha League play against the Bravo League champions, Yorba Linda High, a new league opponent promoted after several strong seasons. The Mustangs were eliminated in the first round by Los Alamitos High, 35-28 — the eventual Division 2 champion. They are returning many starters from their 9-2 campaign.

QB Noah Trujillo and WR Troy Roberts, who had 611 yards on 40 receptions and 6 TDs, formed a strong connection in 2025 and will look to continue that this year. Two-way athlete Isaiah Trujillo led the team with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions as a sophomore.

Coach: Rory Schoonmaker 2025 Record: 12-3, 1-3 in the Alpha League 2025 vs. SCHS: 28-9 Tritons (league), 33-20 Los Al (CIF championship) Season Outlook: Los Alamitos High won the CIF-SS Division 2 championship over San Clemente, 33-20, at Thalassa Stadium last November. The Tritons won their league matchup, but the Griffins got revenge in the title game. This year’s showdown will be highly anticipated.

QB Colin Creason led the explosive offense that averaged 35.6 points per game. Their star TE Beckham Hofland is now playing at Boise State. They had a dynamic RB tandem in Kamden Tillis and Lenny Ibarra, who combined for 43 touchdowns. Schoonmaker replaced Ray Fenton (now at Orange Luthreran) as head coach.

Coach: Chad Johnson 2025 Record: 9-2, 3-0 in the Alpha League 2025 vs. SCHS: The 2025 Alpha League champions have not lost a league game since 2023. After going undefeated in league play, the Diablos lost in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, 20-0, to Mater Dei High. Their star quarterback, Luke Fahey, is now at Ohio State following his remarkable 2025 season: 3,199 passing yards, 340 rushing yards and 31 total TDs. Sophomore Brett Burnor is expected to be the starting QB. Their leading rusher, Davonte Curtis (657 yards, 14 TDs) also graduated.

The Diablos are returning their top pass catchers: Jack Junker (San Jose State commit), Luke Karby (Duke commit) and KJ Woodbury Jr.

AT SCHS

AT LOS ALAMITOS

San Clemente Times August 13- August 19, 2026

AT SCHS

Page 8

AT CARLSBAD

GAME 9

OCTOBER 23

AT MURRIETA

GAME 10

OCTOBER 30

AT SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH

VS. EDISON HIGH

Coach: Robert Frith 2025 Record: 2-10, 1-4 in the Bravo League 2025 vs. SCHS: Did not play Season Outlook: San Juan Hills High was forced to forfeit several games in 2025 after self-reporting use of an ineligible player, resulting in its 2-10 overall record. Timmy Herr, the starting QB for the past three years, leaves a strong legacy at the school: 7,564 passing yards, 1,324 rushing yards and 108 total TDs. Former San Clemente High QBs Preston Getz and Eiler King are competing for the starting job. Their top RB, Elijah Ayala, also graduated. Senior WR Luke Frith will be featured once again following his 1,048-yard, 13-TD season. Stallions WR Ryan Matheson transferred to SCHS for his final high school season.

Coach: Jeff Grady 2025 Record: 7-6, 0-3 in the Alpha League 2025 vs. SCHS: 10-9 Tritons Season Outlook: The Tritons will wrap up Alpha League play at home against Edison High. In their matchup last season, the Chargers scored a touchdown with 24 seconds remaining and kept the offense on the field, attempting to go for the win. Cade Hogan made a diving interception in the end zone to give the Tritons a 10-9 win. Edison is returning QB Sam Thomson (2,120 yards and 18 TDs passing), RB Samuel Edmisten (524 yards, 8 TDs) and LB Ashton Godley (130 tackles). Despite an 0-3 league record, Edison received an at-large playoff berth in Division 3 and advanced to the semifinals before a 31-19 loss to Huntington Beach.

AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

AT SCHS

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