As the final two weeks of the high school football regular season approach, several Santa Clarita Valley teams are fighting for playoff positioning and league championships across the Foothill League, Heritage League, and Cottonwood League.

In the KHTS Game of the Week, Valencia hosts Hart in a matchup that could decide the Foothill League title race. Meanwhile, Trinity Classical Academy continues its push for the top spot in the Cottonwood League, and Santa Clarita Christian School (SCCS) looks to climb the Heritage League standings.

Hart (7-2, 5-0) vs. Valencia (7-1, 4-0)

Hart travels to Valencia in its final game before a bye week, with a chance to clinch its first Foothill League title since 2007.

If the Hawks defeat the Vikings, they’ll secure the outright championship. However, a Valencia victory would keep the Vikings’ hopes alive for a third consecutive league title.

Both teams feature dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. Hart’s Jacob Paisano leads the league with 1,782 passing yards and ranks fourth in rushing with 535 yards.

Jacob Paisano rolls out to pass against Quartz Hill (2024 Season)

Valencia’s Brady Bretthauer, tested against a tough non-league slate including Simi Valley, Chaminade, Bishop Amat, and Paraclete, has totaled 991 passing yards and 425 rushing yards.

Brady Brettauer drops back to pass against Hart during the 2024 season.

Supporting the quarterbacks are standout running backs, with Matix Frithsmith leading Hart’s ground attack and Washington commit Brian Bonner powering Valencia’s offense.

Statistically, Hart’s defense holds an edge with 18 sacks and 10 interceptions compared to Valencia’s three sacks and five picks. Still, Valencia’s tougher schedule could make those numbers misleading.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Valencia High School.

Golden Valley (3-5, 2-2) at West Ranch (2-6, 1-3)

Golden Valley looks to bounce back from a 35-7 loss to Valencia, a game in which the Grizzlies held the Vikings scoreless in the second half.

Despite a rough start, Golden Valley remains in the Foothill League playoff picture, currently sitting in third place. That position would grant an automatic postseason berth if they can hold it. Saugus, however, trails close behind with the same 2-2 league record.

West Ranch picked up its first league win last week, edging Castaic 21-19. Head coach TJ Yonkers praised the effort but noted that the team left points on the field.

While West Ranch is likely out of playoff contention, the Wildcats aim to finish the season strong. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at College of the Canyons.

Saugus (6-2, 2-2) vs. Castaic (0-8, 0-4) 

Saugus opened the season 4-0 in non-league play before suffering back-to-back losses to Hart and Valencia. The Centurions have since rebounded with dominant wins over Canyon (48-20) and West Ranch (54-6).

Now with identical 2-2 league records along with Golden Valley, Saugus needs a win to stay in contention for an automatic playoff berth.

Castaic, meanwhile, continues to battle adversity after losing 16 players to transfers during the offseason, leaving the roster thin at just 30 players. Despite the challenges, the Coyotes have fought hard each week.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. Friday at Canyon High School.

Trinity Classical Academy (4-3, 3-0) at Temecula Prep (0-8, 0-3)

After a 1-3 start, Trinity Classical Academy has surged with three straight wins in the Cottonwood League, moving into second place.

Running back Hudson Sweitzer ranks second in the Cottonwood League with 810 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, while receiver Aiden Visconti leads the team with 352 receiving yards and is third in the league with three interceptions. Quarterback Andrew Carlson has thrown for 672 yards and is tied for second in the league with three interceptions.

Andrew Carlson recovers a fumbled ball. (2024 season).
Courtesy of Trinity Classical Academy

If Trinity defeats Temecula Prep and first-place Santa Rosa Academy loses to The Webb Schools, the Knights would move into first place in the Cottonwood League.

Canyon (1-8, 1-4) Bye

Santa Clarita Christian School (SCCS) (1-6, 1-1) at Milken (1-4, 0-3)

Despite a 1-6 record, SCCS remains in the hunt in the Heritage League, currently sitting in third place.

With two games remaining, the Cardinals have a chance to climb the standings and potentially earn a playoff berth. This week’s matchup against Milken, who also has just one win, presents an opportunity for SCCS to gain ground in the Heritage League.

Kickoff is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m.

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