The Weekly Wire - Week 1 2025 Recap
Matchup: Warhawks (39) at Griffins (0)
In a highly anticipated matchup between the returning Warhawks and the debuting Griffins, the Warhawks delivered a commanding 39-0 victory. While the scoreline may suggest a complete blowout, the story beneath the numbers reveals a more nuanced performance, particularly from the Griffins' defense, which held its ground under relentless pressure.
Griffins: A Defensive Effort Overshadowed by Offensive Struggles
Despite the shutout loss, the Griffins defense showed notable resilience. Defensive lineman Trevor Clausen led the team with 11 total tackles and a fumble recovery, while Jonathan Rivas and Blake Patton combined for 4.5 sacks, consistently applying pressure to Warhawks quarterbacks. Keagen Vincent added 9 tackles, and Daniel McPherson contributed 6, showing that the front seven was active and disruptive throughout the game.
However, the offense failed to capitalize on the defensive efforts. The Griffins offense was unable to generate any momentum, amassing just 8 passing yards on 20 attempts, with three interceptions and no completions over 6 yards. Quarterback play struggled to find rhythm, and the rushing attack was stifled—27 Austin Williams accounted for 18 rushing yards, but the rest of the team combined for negative yardage.
In the return game, Austin Villalobos handled three kick returns for 31 yards, offering little field position improvement.
Warhawks: Physicality and Balance Define the Win
The Warhawks executed a balanced and physical game plan to near perfection. Their run-heavy approach paid off, as Michael Sondermann exploded for 128 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 14 carries, while Jordan Parham added 80 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries. The offensive line was dominant, providing ample space for the backs to operate and neutralizing the Griffins' defensive pressure when it mattered most.
Quarterbacks Matt Knoles and Gavin Breen combined for just 5 passing attempts, completing 4 for 39 yards and a touchdown. With the run game flourishing, the Warhawks needed little through the air.
Defensively, the Warhawks were equally impressive, forcing three interceptions (including one from Regan Sondermann for 20 return yards), recovering two fumbles, and registering multiple sacks. They overwhelmed the Griffins at the line of scrimmage and disrupted nearly every passing attempt. Special teams also chipped in with Zion Perrault's 26-yard punt return, and the defense was credited with a blocked punt.
Key Takeaways
Warhawks’ Trenches Dominated: Both offensively and defensively, the Warhawks’ line play was the difference-maker. Their physicality wore down the Griffins over four quarters.
Griffins' Defensive Silver Lining: Despite the score, the defense showed potential, creating turnovers and keeping the Warhawks under pressure at times.
Offensive Disconnect: For the Griffins, the inability to sustain drives, combined with turnovers and poor field position, left their defense overexposed.
Warhawks' Offensive Efficiency: With nearly 250 rushing yards and limited passing attempts, the Warhawks executed a low-risk, high-efficiency strategy that paid off in full.
Final Thoughts
The Warhawks sent a clear message with this performance: they are poised to be contenders this season with a potent run game and a suffocating defense. For the Griffins, the outcome was disappointing, but their defense provided a foundation to build upon. If the offense can develop rhythm and reduce turnovers in the coming weeks, this team could turn the corner quickly.
The Griffins may not have left Columbia High School with a win, but they left with something to learn from.
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Matchup: Sabers (12) at Matadors (6)
In a gritty and physical contest that lived up to its billing, the Sabers stunned the defending champion Matadors in a 12-6 overtime victory to open their 2025 campaign. The Matadors entered the game as clear favorites, coming off a dominant 10-1 championship season. But the Sabers, a playoff team in their inaugural year, made a statement early this season with a tough, resilient performance.
Sabers: Grit, Defense, and Redemption
Despite a turnover-laden outing on offense—including three interceptions thrown by QB Emmitt Johnson—the Sabers found a way to win, thanks to outstanding defensive execution and a game-sealing score in overtime. Johnson finished with 10 completions on 24 attempts for 53 yards and a touchdown, but it was the team's balance and defensive discipline that ultimately turned the tide.
Running back Kishan Joiner led the way on the ground with 32 yards and a rushing touchdown, and Brig Johnson added a receiving score, to win in overtime, to complete the Sabers’ two-touchdown effort. Notably, the Sabers offense wasn't explosive, but it showed composure when it mattered most—particularly in the 4th quarter.
On the defensive side, middle linebacker Francisco Castro led the team with 11 tackles and a forced fumble, anchoring the middle of the field and setting the tone for the entire unit. He was joined by linebacker Ryan Corder, who recorded 8 tackles and a sack, while Joe Anguiano and Jace Mann combined for 3 pass deflections and 1 sack. The Sabers’ front seven continually pressured Matadors QB Blaze Tokioka and forced tough throws throughout the game.
Matadors: Offensive Control but Missed Opportunities
The Matadors controlled possession and pace for much of regulation, but stalled drives and red-zone inefficiency came back to haunt them. Quarterback Blaze Tokioka threw for 117 yards on 11 completions (28 attempts) and added 57 rushing yards, showcasing dual-threat capability. Running back Daniel Osmer was a bright spot, rushing for 77 yards on 15 carries, and Matthew Garner added 64 yards and the team’s only touchdown.
In the air, Grant Roberts and Angelo Zavala combined for over 90 receiving yards, but the Matadors failed to convert yardage into points in key moments. Despite outgaining the Sabers, their inability to finish drives proved costly.
While defensive stats for the Matadors were not submitted, it’s worth noting that their defense held strong for most of the game—particularly by forcing three interceptions and limiting offensive damage in regulation.
Key Takeaways
Sabers' Defense Was Clutch: Timely stops, strong tackling, and pass breakups from the Sabers’ secondary and linebacker group kept the Matadors from pulling ahead in regulation.
Matadors Offense Lacked Finishing Touch: The reigning champs moved the ball efficiently but couldn’t capitalize in scoring situations, leading to a costly overtime outcome.
Sabers Find a Way Despite Turnovers: Emmitt Johnson’s three interceptions could have swung the game, but his ability to bounce back and the defense’s resilience gave the Sabers a chance to win—and they did.
Momentum Shift: With this upset win, the Sabers position themselves early as contenders in 2025, while the Matadors are reminded that defending a title is never easy.
Final Thoughts
This overtime victory by the Sabers is more than just a Week 1 win—it’s a statement. Against the reigning champions, they showcased growth, grit, and the ability to overcome adversity. For the Matadors, it's a tough loss, but one that can serve as a recalibration moment. With plenty of season left, both teams are expected to remain key players in the playoff race.
But for now, the Sabers own the early-season spotlight.
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Matchup: Aztecs (12) at Black Tide (0)
In a game defined by gritty defense and field position, the Aztecs claimed a 12-0 shutout victory over the historically dominant Black Tide. While both teams came into the 2025 season with high expectations, it was the Aztecs who controlled the tempo, executed defensively, and capitalized on key offensive opportunities to start their campaign strong.
Aztecs: Defense First, Balanced Offense Seals the Deal
The Aztecs delivered a textbook defensive performance, limiting a usually potent Black Tide offense to just 89 passing yards and 50 rushing yards, while forcing a turnover and generating consistent pressure at the line of scrimmage.
Offensively, quarterback Colt Knigge managed the game efficiently, finishing 11-of-17 for 145 yards through the air. While he did not throw a touchdown and was intercepted once, he kept the offense moving and leaned on the ground game to finish drives. Running back Austin Barber led the charge with 16 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown, while Donald White added 48 yards and a score on six carries.
In the passing game, James Hull hauled in 4 catches for 51 yards, and Trevone Martin, Porter Grow, and Kai Kovick all contributed to a spread-out aerial attack that kept the Black Tide defense honest.
Defensively, Freddy Llamas was a force up front, registering 4 sacks and a forced fumble, while Wyatt Johnson added another sack and Edwin Lara contributed half a sack. The Aztecs also recorded multiple pass breakups, with Zach Peterson and Willie Garcia each snagging key interceptions.
Black Tide: Defensive Toughness, Offensive Inconsistency
Despite the loss, the Black Tide defense played with intensity and held the Aztecs to just two scores across four quarters. Linebacker Nick Dottellis led all defenders with 13 tackles and an interception, while Josiah Maae, Mitch Gammon, and Ethan Sauer each recorded sacks. Defensive end Mitch Gammon also recovered a fumble, showcasing the Tide’s ability to create disruption in the trenches.
However, the offensive unit was never able to find rhythm. Quarterback Isaac Sanchez went 7-of-18 for 89 yards with one interception, and the run game, led by Marco Garcia (10 carries for 45 yards), failed to gain traction against a stout Aztec front. The offense only produced five total first downs and was held scoreless despite a few drives that crossed midfield.
Wide receivers Scott Wells and Nico Jaime were the primary targets, combining for 72 receiving yards, but pass protection and play execution prevented any explosive plays from developing.
Key Takeaways
Aztecs Defense Was Dominant: With 5+ sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, the Aztecs suffocated the Black Tide offense and created constant backfield pressure.
Balanced Attack Wins: While not flashy, the Aztecs' run-first approach, complemented by efficient passing, kept drives alive and the clock moving.
Black Tide’s O-Line in Transition: A rebuilt offensive line struggled to protect Sanchez or generate a consistent push in the run game—something to monitor moving forward.
Turnovers and Field Position Proved Decisive: Each takeaway and sack played a pivotal role in flipping field position and stalling Black Tide momentum.
Final Thoughts
The Aztecs’ victory solidifies them early as one of the league’s top-tier contenders. Their ability to shut down a historically strong opponent while maintaining offensive composure speaks to their depth and preparedness. For the Black Tide, it’s back to the drawing board—particularly on offense—after a game where the defense did more than enough to keep them in it.
Expect both teams to make noise this season, but on this day, the Aztecs made the louder statement.
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Matchup: guardians (0) at Alphas (46)
In a dominant performance from start to finish, the Alphas overwhelmed the Guardians in a 46-0 shutout to open their 2025 campaign. With offensive firepower, a swarming defense, and exceptional execution across all phases, the Alphas left no doubt about their status as a rising contender. Meanwhile, the Guardians—who did not submit complete team stats—struggled to establish any rhythm offensively or defensively and were unable to respond to the Alphas' relentless pressure.
Alphas: Total Team Domination
Quarterback Austin Clark led the offensive charge with precision and poise, completing 18 of 27 passes for 219 yards and 4 touchdowns, spreading the ball efficiently to multiple playmakers. While Tanner Eldredge—last season’s Rookie of the Year—did not log passing attempts, Clark seamlessly stepped into the spotlight.
The ground game was just as effective. Logan Bowers, the reigning league MVP, picked up where he left off with 78 rushing yards and a touchdown on only five carries, while also hauling in four receptions for 42 yards and a receiving score. Running back Christopher Franco added another 48 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Clark himself contributed 55 yards on the ground.
Through the air, the receiving corps was both deep and explosive:
Bryson Hammer led all receivers with 98 yards and a touchdown on 7 catches.
Gabe Briggs, Joel Thompson, and Logan Bowers each added a receiving touchdown.
Six different receivers caught passes, reflecting a well-distributed offensive attack.
Alphas' Defense: Relentless and Ruthless
The Alphas defense put on a clinic, pitching a shutout while forcing turnovers and consistently disrupting the Guardians' backfield. The unit totaled 9 sacks, with Christopher Franco, Bryson Hammer, and Carlos Enriquez each contributing multiple takedowns:
Christopher Franco had 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble—a rare two-way standout performance.
Andrew Woolsey led the team with 8 tackles and 1.5 sacks, while Bryson Hammer added 2 sacks of his own.
Defensive backs Gabe Briggs, Michael Cabello, and Jaymond Dyer each recorded multiple pass breakups or interceptions.
The Guardians were held without any scoring opportunities and struggled to move the ball, resulting in a complete team defensive performance by the Alphas.
Key Takeaways
Alphas' Offense Was Explosive and Efficient: Nearly 400 yards of total offense and six touchdowns reflect a balanced and high-powered unit.
Defense Set the Tone: With multiple sacks, takeaways, and disciplined coverage, the Alphas completely neutralized the Guardians’ offense.
Logan Bowers and Austin Clark Shine: The dynamic duo powered the offense with a combination of speed, accuracy, and explosiveness.
Guardians Still Searching for Identity: With no reported stats and a one-sided result, the Guardians will need significant adjustments to remain competitive this season.
Final Thoughts
The Alphas couldn’t have asked for a more complete performance to begin the 2025 season. Their offense was fluid, their defense unrelenting, and their overall cohesion on full display. For the Guardians, this matchup served as a harsh reminder of the league's growing talent gap, and they'll need to regroup quickly to avoid falling behind early in the season.