Week 0: A Season‑Opening Showdown
The 2026 campaign kicks off with a headline matchup between Sierra Canyon and JSerra, a game that instantly raises expectations for the year. JSerra will be led by former NFL linebacker Hardy Nickerson in his first season as head coach, adding a fresh tactical edge to the team.
Across the county, Week 1 brings Los Alamitos and Huntington Beach into early confrontation. Huntington Beach’s quarterback Brady Edmunds, who has committed to Ohio State, will be a focal point as the surfer‑school looks to start strong.
A historic rivalry resurfaces in Week 3 when Corona Centennial meets Mater Dei. Both programs have consistently shaped the local landscape, and their clash is expected to influence league standings early on.
Week 6 features a pivotal league‑opener between Mater Dei and Santa Margarita. The game could set the tone for the remainder of the season and offers both teams a chance to test new strategies.
The Alpha League’s Week 7 slate highlights San Juan Hills and Edison as teams to watch, each boasting promising rosters that could break into the upper tier of the division.
Later in the schedule, Week 10 pits St. John Bosco against Mater Dei in a rematch that often determines conference dominance, promising another chapter in their storied competition.
Beyond the marquee games, the season is punctuated by non‑league contests such as Trabuco Hills versus El Modena in Week 5, and Cypress taking on Foothill in Week 4, each offering opportunities for under‑the‑radar programs to make statements.