Information on the Division 5AA and Division 6 San Diego Section CIF Playoffs

Shane Peter's 2 touchdown passes sparks Maranatha Christian to first CIF Title.

By David A. Willauer-Contributing Writer-Chick Embry Stadium-Escondido High School-Escondido, CA-Saturday, November 22, 2025-For the first time in school history the Eagles of Maranatha Christian claimed their first 5AA football title under former San Diego Charger field goal kicker and current head coach Nick Novak by defeating the Palo Verde Valley Yellowjackets by a 24-12 score.

Maranatha Christian Performers: Diego Esparza 35 yard field goal. Shane Pieter 121 yards passing along with a 1 yard touchdown run and 3 yard pass to Hudson Heinrichs. Sawyer Bryant 3 yard run and Christian Richards 1 yard run Ryan Nicodula 86 yards

Former Maryland and San Diego Chargers field goal kicker current Maranatha Christian Coach Nick Novak. "Ryan Niguiidula is one heck of a back he's been running the ball for us all year, an amazing shifty player we counted on him these big moments."

"This game went nip and tuck all the way," "We have an outstanding defensive coordinator in Paul Schneider along with the other staff members to get the kids ready to go." "Hats off to our school tonight our players make big plays and that is what they accomplished to win our first CIF title in school history."

Palo Verde Valley Performers: Chris Richards 89 yard run for a touchdown along with 101 yards rushing and 36 yards passing. Ayden Walker 57 yards rushing

Asher Larkin's 5 touchdown's paces St. Joseph's Academy to 2nd CIF Title

By David A. Willauer-Conttributing Writer-Chick Embry Stadium-Escondido High School-Escondido, CA: After 2 CIF defeats in 2022 to Victory Christian in 2023 to Foothills Christian 31-26, to last years CIF victory over Calvin Christian 60-22 and for the second year in a row defeated the Rams of Borrego Springs by a 68-13 score for the CIF San Diego Section 6 Football Title.

St. Joseph's Academy performers: Asher Larkins 5 touchdown runs of 43 yards, 55,16, 38 and 18 yards each. Chris Clow 10 yard touchdown, Paulo Puccino 1 touchdown pass of 13 yards to teammate Blaise McMahon, Sean Ambuul 1 touchdown run of 65 yards, Josh Clow 25 yard touchdown.

Tom Davis St. Joseph's Academy Head Football Coach: "We ram Asher Larkins all season today was his last game he broke a lot of tackles and was hitting and kept on running what a great play by him." "Usually when Josh Clow scored one of the touchdowns I wasn't expecting that but very surprised" "Chris Alvarez made good plays and was one of the best players that I saw running the ball all over the field, he played a good game along with throwing his passes at the right time."

Borrego Springs performers: Josef Rocha 70 yard kickoff return. Chris Alvarez 19 yard run.