Patriots can’t mount comeback at Saints

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 19, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

ST. AUGUSTINE 20, CHRISTIAN 7

EastCountySports.com

SAN DIEGO — The Christian High Patriots could not overcome a slow start Friday night, falling 20–7 to the St. Augustine Saints in an Eastern League matchup at Mesa College.

A week after their dramatic 16–15 win over Scripps Ranch, the Patriots (2–6, 1–2 Eastern) looked to carry that momentum into another road test.

But St. Augustine (3–5, 1–2) built a 20–0 halftime lead and held off a second-half push from the Patriots to even its league record.

Christian’s only score came on a special teams highlight from junior Kai Rosier, who provided the team’s spark right out of the second-half gate.

On the opening kickoff of the third quarter, the ball bounced awkwardly near a teammate, but Rosier scooped it up and sprinted 80 yards down the left sideline for a touchdown, bringing the Patriots within 20–7 after Steven Benson’s extra point.

It was Rosier’s latest standout play in a season where he has emerged as one of San Diego County’s most dynamic all-purpose threats. Against the Saints, Rosier totaled 114 all-purpose yards, including 34 receiving and his 80-yard return.

Quarterback Kaleb Runkle completed 16 of 26 passes for 100 yards, spreading the ball primarily to Hank Houston and Rosier.

Houston caught six passes for 59 yards and also broke loose for a long run late in the third quarter that set the Patriots up deep in St. Augustine territory before the drive stalled.

Freshman Julian Morones provided a big play of his own with a 48-yard rush, helping the Patriots total 182 yards of offense.

Defensively, Christian settled in after halftime, shutting out the Saints over the final two quarters. Houston and junior Everick Randall helped limit St. Augustine’s running lanes, while Morones, playing both ways, added eight tackles and a fumble recovery. Senior Chase Togerson and Rosier also chipped in with multiple stops in the secondary.

But the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

St. Augustine’s junior running back Paisios Polamalu, the son of former Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu, carried the ball 30 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns, scoring from four yards out twice in the first half. Junior Spencer Austin added an 8-yard rushing score to give the Saints a 13–0 first-quarter lead, and kicker Callen Moore converted two PATs.

The Patriots’ first possession started promisingly when they recovered a St. Augustine fumble near midfield, but they couldn’t capitalize, and the Saints’ physical run game soon took control.

Christian’s defense forced several punts in the second half and got a key stop on fourth down at the Saints’ 1-yard line, but offensive miscues — including a fumble deep in their own end and a late interception — prevented them from drawing closer.

Senior lineman Jacob Zacharzuk and senior linebacker Ronnie Scott were active up front, combining for key stops, while Randall led the team with nine total tackles, including one for loss.

Despite the setback, Christian’s defense held St. Augustine to just 75 passing yards and none in the second half, keeping the Patriots within striking distance until the final minutes.

With the loss, Christian drops to 2–6 overall and 0-3 in the highly-competitive Eastern League.

The Patriots return home next Friday night to face Point Loma (6–2, 2–0) — a team allowing just 10.9 points per game — in what promises to be another tough test.