FOLSOM — Vista del Lago gave its fans the perfect Homecoming gift Friday night, turning in a commanding performance that blended explosive offense, stingy defense, and plenty of school spirit in a 50-22 win over Christian Brothers. With a full grandstand on hand and the Homecoming court festivities adding to the atmosphere, the Eagles set the tone from the opening kickoff and never looked back.
Christian Chavez ignited the scoring early in the first quarter. Starting deep in their own territory, the Eagles marched into Falcon territory before Chavez unleashed a 47-yard strike to Luke Roberts for the game’s first touchdown. After Joseph Ahola’s extra point and a defensive safety on the ensuing series, Vista quickly built a 9-0 lead. Christian Brothers managed an interception late in the quarter, but Vista’s defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs to close out the first frame with momentum fully on the home side.
The second quarter belonged to Vista’s playmakers. Chavez delivered the highlight of the night with a 95-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Cromwell, electrifying the stadium and pushing the score to 16-0. Minutes later, Lucas Hromanik pounced on a Christian Brothers fumble, setting up a short field. Chavez wasted no time, finding Cael Rens in the end zone from five yards out. After another PAT, Vista extended its advantage to 23-0. The onslaught continued before halftime when Jack Cromwell broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run, powering the Eagles into the break with a commanding 29-0 cushion.
Christian Brothers showed life coming out of halftime. Quarterback Deakon Holden hit Gunnar Marsh on a 60-yard touchdown to break the shutout midway through the third quarter. But despite forcing a Vista fumble earlier in the period, the Falcons couldn’t sustain momentum, trading punts and miscues as Vista held firm on defense. The score remained 29-7 heading into the fourth, keeping the Eagles in control.
The final quarter turned into a showcase of Vista’s offensive balance. Christian Brothers briefly closed the gap to 29-14 on another Holden-to-Marsh connection, this time from 35 yards. But Vista responded instantly. Jack Cromwell barreled in from six yards out to restore a three-score lead. Moments later, Jack Gibbons intercepted a Falcon pass and returned it deep into Christian Brothers territory, setting up Cromwell’s second touchdown run of the night from a yard out. The sequence silenced any comeback hopes, and after Ahola’s kicks, Vista had blown it open at 43-14.
Still pressing, the Eagles capped their scoring barrage when Chavez threw his fourth touchdown of the night — a 15-yard strike to Rens, who notched his second score of the game. That pushed Vista’s total to an even 50. Christian Brothers managed a late rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion in the final minute, but the outcome was long decided as Vista’s players celebrated the program’s latest Homecoming triumph.
Vista’s defense forced multiple turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and a key interception, while the offense lit up the scoreboard with big plays through the air and on the ground. The night doubled as a celebration for the students and alumni who packed the stands, highlighted by the coronation of the Homecoming court before the Eagles closed out their emphatic win.
The victory pushes Vista del Lago forward in league play with renewed momentum and confidence. More importantly, it capped a Homecoming night full of community pride and high-energy football, one that ended with the scoreboard reading: Vista del Lago 50, Christian Brothers 22.
Vista will now turn its attention to another league test next week, hosting Inderkum on Friday, October 3, at 7:15 p.m. The Tigers enter the contest with a 4-1 record and will provide a significant challenge, giving the Eagles an opportunity to measure their progress after Friday’s explosive Homecoming performance.
Oak Ridge powers past Granite Bay with second-half surge
In El Dorado Hills, Oak Ridge High School delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Friday night, grinding out a 21-14 victory over Granite Bay in a game that lived up to the Sierra Foothill League’s reputation as one of the toughest in the state. The Trojans leaned on defensive playmakers, a poised quarterback, and a late scoring drive to topple the Grizzlies, who came in as one of the section’s highest-ranked teams.
The night opened with Oak Ridge setting the tone behind two-way standout Jasen Womack, who muscled in for a 1-yard touchdown to get the Trojans on the board. Granite Bay answered later with a short-yardage score from Isaiah Ene to tie the game, but Oak Ridge struck again just before halftime. With seconds remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Nick Johnson connected with Troy Taber for an 11-yard touchdown. That play gave Oak Ridge a 14-7 lead at the break and capped a half that showed Johnson’s growing command of the offense since transferring to the program this year.
Granite Bay came out determined in the second half. Quarterback Dominic Cattolico hit Darnell Turner on a 25-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter, pulling the Grizzlies even at 14-14. The game tightened, with both teams trading punts and defensive stops as the pressure mounted in front of a loud home crowd.
The difference came in the fourth quarter, when Oak Ridge seized control with a methodical 14-play drive that chewed up precious minutes. Behind steady runs, timely passes, and the push of their offensive line, the Trojans marched downfield before Tyler Andujar punched in the go-ahead score from one yard out with just under four minutes left. The PAT made it 21-14, swinging the energy back to Oak Ridge and putting Granite Bay on the ropes.
The defense took it from there. Earlier in the half, Womack had already delivered a momentum-shifting interception, and in the final minutes the secondary held firm again. Granite Bay advanced into Oak Ridge territory on two late deep passes, but the Trojans forced a turnover on downs at their own 42-yard line, allowing them to close out the victory by running down the clock.
Johnson, a 6-foot-4 junior, has provided a steadying hand under center since arriving from Folsom, where he began his high school career. He also carries a unique backstory — the son of former Major League Baseball player Nick Johnson, he has embraced his new role in El Dorado Hills while balancing both composure and leadership. His ability to spread the ball to playmakers like Womack and Taber has given Oak Ridge a balanced attack, supported by a defense that thrives in pressure moments.
Friday’s win underscored just how far Oak Ridge has come this season. At 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the SFL, the Trojans not only took down a highly regarded Granite Bay team but also positioned themselves for their most important test yet. Next week, Oak Ridge heads down Highway 50 to face crosstown rival Folsom in one of the region’s most anticipated showdowns. While the rivalry has been lopsided in recent years — Folsom has won the past 23 meetings dating back to 2006, including multiple section title clashes — Oak Ridge enters this year’s matchup with renewed momentum and a chance to rewrite the script.
Granite Bay (4-2, 1-1) will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Del Oro, another perennial power in the league. For Oak Ridge, though, the spotlight shifts squarely to Friday night’s clash with the Bulldogs, where league title hopes and bragging rights will once again be on the line.
Casa Roble overwhelms Woodland in dominant performance
In Orangevale, Casa Roble made sure their home fans left happy Friday night, exploding early and never letting up in a 45-14 rout of Woodland in Golden Empire League action. From the opening kickoff, the Rams put their stamp on the game with explosive plays, suffocating defense, and an offensive rhythm that Woodland simply couldn’t match.
The fireworks began right away when Tariq Lofton returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown to give Casa Roble a lead it would never surrender. Quarterback Aidan Lopez added to the advantage later in the first quarter, connecting with Felix Rodriguez for a 7-yard touchdown pass. After Raul Menera’s extra point, the Rams closed the opening frame ahead 13-0.
Casa Roble continued to pile it on in the second quarter. Lopez tossed touchdown passes to Mason Higby from 15 yards out and then to Jared Alexander on a 53-yard strike. Jaylan Barcenas added a two-point conversion, and the Rams stormed into halftime leading 28-0. The defense also set the tone, with Karter Coss intercepting a pass to spark one of the scoring drives and Austin Johnson recording a key sack to halt another Woodland threat.
The third quarter only widened the gap. After another interception by Coss, Barcenas broke free on a long run that set up a 25-yard field goal by Menera. Lopez wasn’t done, however, as he threw two more touchdowns in the quarter — one to Barcenas from 10 yards out and another to Coss on a 27-yard connection. By the end of the third, Casa Roble had built an insurmountable 45-8 lead.
Woodland managed a pair of late scores, including a short rushing touchdown by quarterback Joe Abarca and a 30-yard strike to Cohen Dwyer, but by then the Rams had already put the game out of reach.
Casa Roble’s all-around dominance was highlighted by big special teams plays, a swarming defense, and a balanced offensive attack led by Lopez’s passing and Barcenas’ versatility. The Rams’ decisive victory underscored their position as one of the Golden Empire League’s top contenders, with a 45-14 final that left little doubt.
Regional Scoreboard Sept, 26, 2025
Analy 48, Kimball 34
Antioch 19, Nevada Union 18
Bear River 22, Oakmont 15
Bret Harte 41, Millennium 0
Bradshaw Christian 48, El Dorado 7
Calaveras 55, River Islands 0
Casa Roble 45, Woodland 14
Center 33, Johnson 0
Chavez 61, Franklin 0
De La Salle 36, St. Mary’s 7
Del Oro 49, Whitney 21
Denair 42, Gustine 14
East Union 27, Patterson 21
Elk Grove 52, Cosumnes Oaks 6
Escalon 27, Hilmar 9
Foothill 53, Richmond 6
Foresthill 24, Valley 6
Golden Sierra 60, Elite 0
Immanuel 44, El Capitan 20
Jesuit 20, Rocklin 14
Johansen 22, Ceres 16
Kairos Public 2, ASSA 0 (forfeit)
Laguna Creek 33, Franklin 19
Le Grand 21, Waterford 14
Liberty Ranch vs. Amador (missing score)
Lincoln 33, Wheatland 0
Linden 40, Big Valley Christian 0
Livingston 31, Beyer 14
Manteca 49, Central Catholic 7
Mariposa County 52, Modesto Christian 18
McClatchy 51, Antelope 7
Mesa Verde 54, Esparto 14
Mira Loma 44, Delta 0
Monterey Trail 62, Sheldon 0
Mountain House 28, Sierra 10
Oak Ridge 21, Granite Bay 14
Pacheco 28, Central Valley 20
Pioneer 42, Sacramento 40
Ponderosa 28, Bella Vista 21
Ripon 42, Modesto 14
Ripon Christian 21, Hughson 14
Rio Vista 53, Highlands 26
River City 21, Wood 10
Roseville 62, Deer Valley 8
Sacramento (lost, see Pioneer)
Santa Rosa 27, Burbank 18
Sonora 56, Orestimba 0
Stagg 56, Weston Ranch 7
Stone Ridge Christian 42, Delhi 0
Summerville 49, Riverbank 0
Swett 40, West Campus 0
Sutter 62, Dixon 12
Union Mine 22, Argonaut 16
Vacaville 42, Rodriguez 25
Vacaville Christian 52, San Juan 0
Vista del Lago 50, Christian Brothers 22
West Park 38, Destiny Christian 20
Woodcreek 20, Rio Americano 7
Woodland Christian 49, Lindhurst 0
