San Clemente captured the championship of the Seahawk Shootout 7‑on‑7 passing tournament with a 35‑7 victory over San Juan Hills, finishing the event unbeaten and setting the stage for a much‑anticipated 2026 showdown.
The Tritons went 5‑0 in the competition, downing Warren, Cerritos and Aliso Niguel in the Beach pool, and quarterback Preston Beck drew praise from both teammates and Coach Jaime Ortiz for his poise under pressure.
A rivalry renewed
The two schools are slated to meet again on October 23, 2026 in an Alpha League game, a rematch that carries extra weight because several players have transferred between the programs, adding a layer of personal stakes to the upcoming contest.
Coach Ortiz, however, warned that the 7‑on‑7 format is only a snapshot; the regular season will present different challenges and opportunities for both squads.
Beyond the scoreboard, San Clemente’s production crew used a drone to capture aerial footage of the games, a effort that caught the eye of a scout from Oregon, highlighting the growing intersection of technology and high‑school football.
Other divisions also delivered drama: El Toro edged Aliso Niguel 22‑7 in the Gold Division, with transfer quarterback Jackson Algaze — who left Crean Lutheran — delivering a strong performance; Foothill fell to Warren 21‑14 in the Grey Division final; and Cerritos outlasted Downey 36‑29 in the Cardinal Division championship.
Huntington Beach quarterback Brady Edmunds noted that 7‑on‑7 tournaments are especially valuable for younger athletes looking to showcase their skills, while Cypress sophomore receiver Ian Do contributed two touchdown catches in a win over El Toro. Braden Welch’s clutch interception sealed a victory for San Juan Hills against Cypress, and Aliso Niguel coach Fred Gambrell praised the continued growth of his Wolverines, singling out Brandon Levine for his emergence.