Sierra Canyon and Orange Lutheran have been rolling and will play each other in a matchup between two of the state’s top teams. TeamFB7 highlights some players to watch in the biggest game in California this week.
Southern California football fans have been very fortunate this season and have gotten to see quality matchups between likely Division 1 playoff teams this season. Sierra Canyon and Orange Lutheran are two of the top teams in the state and will play for the fifth time in the last six years.
Sierra Canyon won the matchup between the two teams last season in a 41-9 blowout. The Trailblazers are undefeated and beat Orange Lutheran’s Trinity League foe, JSerra. Orange Lutheran has won three consecutive games since losing its season-opener and has been rolling defensively.
Breaking Down some Players to Watch in the game between Orange Lutheran and Sierra Canyon this Friday
Here are the players to keep an eye on in Chatsworth on Friday when Orange Lutheran and Sierra Canyon square off.
Orange Lutheran
Ryan Christianson, RB
Sophomore Ryan Christianson has run for 272 yards with 2 touchdowns in his last two games against Basha of Arizona and Serra (Gardena). Orange Lutheran’s coaches raved about Christianson at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament and it’s easy to see why. He’s a patient runner who navigates traffic at the first two levels well and isn’t afraid to run through the middle.
Chris Flores Jr., WR
Chris Flores Jr. has over 100 yards receiving in each of his last two games and has two receiving touchdowns this season. JSerra was able to move the ball against Sierra Canyon this season with quick passes to the flat with plays after the catch. Flores is capable of doing that and it may be a good option for the Lancers here.
Mario Luna, OL
Mario Luna is the starting sophomore right tackle for Orange Lutheran and will have to square off against an Ohio State commit and former teammate in Marcus Fakatou. He’s a good down blocker in the run game and can get depth in pass protection.
Lucas Rhoa, OL
Texas commit Lucas Rhoa is one of the best offensive linemen in the state. He’s one of the few offensive linemen that can get a push against Sierra Canyon in the run game and he will need a big game to protect Orange Lutheran’s quarterbacks.
Chauncey Washington II, DB
Chauncey Washington II leads Orange Lutheran in tackles as a safety and can fly around the field. Sierra Canyon likes to throw outside swing passes to its running back and throw underneath to its receivers. Washington will have chances to lay big hits on people and will need to help limit big plays underneath.
Anthony McClure, LB
Anthony McClure is one of the best run stoppers on Orange Lutheran’s defense and will need to have a big game holding Sierra Canyon to limited yardage on the ground.
Sierra Canyon
Demarco Hernandez, QB
Demarco Hernandez was largely unknown prior to the season and has been playing very well for the Trailblazers. The senior has completed 74 percent of his passes for 169 yards per game with 4 touchdowns. The big key for Hernandez on Friday is for him to avoid turning the ball over against an Orange Lutheran secondary that has a lot of interceptions this season.
Jaxsen Stokes, RB
Jaxsen Stokes is only averaging 12 carries per game but has made a big impact in the passing game. The Cal commit is averaging 21 yards per catch and has 3 touchdowns in three games. Stokes ran for 3 touchdowns last season in Sierra Canyon’s win over Orange Lutheran.
Tyson Seidman, OL
Tyson Seidman is the top interior offensive lineman for the Trailblazers and does a good job getting to the second level quickly in the run game. If Stokes is going to have another big rushing game against Orange Lutheran, Seidman will be a big reason why with his ability to create gaps in the defense.
Marcus Fakatou, DL
Ohio State commit Marcus Fakatou played for Orange Lutheran last season and had 10 tackles with two blocked field goals against Sierra Canyon last season. He had two sacks in his first game for Sierra Canyon against JSerra and he lives in the backfield. Fakatou will be hungry to have a big game against his former team.
Jaxson Davis, LB
Jaxson Davis leads Sierra Canyon in tackles with 30 and had 14 last week against St. Louis of Hawaii. He can prevent big plays on the rare occasion that running backs get past Sierra Canyon’s defensive line and he also has an interception this season.
Myles Baker, DB
UCLA commit Myles Baker does it all for Sierra Canyon in all three phases and is one of the best defensive backs in the state. He is excellent in coverage, can fly up the field to stop the run, returns kicks and plays some running back. In a game full of high-level prospects, Baker is the best playmaker on the field.
Editor's Pick
Top 10 Teams in the California Southern Section