Knights earn first victory of season

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 28, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 42, TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 13

EastCountySports.com

L CAJON — After a challenging start to the 2025 season, Foothills Christian finally broke through Friday night, posting a decisive 42–13 victory over visiting Tri-City Christian at Seau Field.

The win, the Knights’ first of the year, gave them a much-needed morale boost after eight consecutive losses, including a strong showing but eventually falling at O’Farrell Charter last week.

The Knights (1–8, 1–4 Sunset League) came into the contest as favorites, facing a Tri-City Christian Eagles squad struggling through an 0–9 season and an 11-game losing streak dating back to last year.

Despite the records, Foothills Christian needed a complete effort to secure the win and delivered one, highlighted by a dominant rushing attack and steady play from quarterback Joshua Hawkins.

Foothills struck early. Just 11 minutes into the first quarter, Hawkins capped a strong ground drive with a rushing touchdown, giving the Knights a 6–0 lead. The two-point attempt failed, but the momentum was clearly on Foothills Christian’s side.

The first quarter ended with Tri-City still scoreless, as the Knights’ defense held firm.

The second quarter saw Foothills Christian extend its advantage. Hawkins again found the end zone, this time via a 35-yard touchdown pass to Mason Wilborn, who picked up 29 receiving yards for the game. A successful two-point rush converted by Hawkins made it 14–0.

Tri-City Christian finally responded with a passing touchdown and extra point to make it 14–7, but Foothills Christian answered swiftly.

Hawkins added a second rushing touchdown late in the half, and Wilborn’s PAT put the Knights ahead 21–7 at the break.

Foothills Christian’s ground game dominated the second half.

Senior Jack Sudi carried the ball 13 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns, including a key score in the third quarter that stretched the lead to 28–7.

Hawkins would score twice more on the ground, one in the third quarter and one in the fourth, while Wilborn converted all but one PAT on the night.

Foothills Christian maintained control, even as Tri-City Christian added a fourth-quarter touchdown to make it 35–13. Sudi’s second rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter finalized the scoring at 42–13.

The Knights’ offense totaled 416 yards, including 381 on the ground and 35 through the air. Hawkins finished with 154 rushing yards and three touchdowns, along with 35 passing yards and a touchdown, while Sudi contributed 159 yards and two scores on just 13 carries.

Wilborn had 29 receiving yards and threw a successful TD pass to Hawkins. The team also amassed 462 all-purpose yards, underscoring its ability to move the ball consistently.

Defensively, Foothills Christian recorded 42 tackles and five sacks, led by Mason Wilborn and Cash Goble, who combined for four tackles for loss. The Knights forced multiple turnovers and limited the Eagles to just 13 points while controlling possession for the majority of the game.

The victory marked the most points the Knights have scored this season and their first 11-man win since 2021 Valhalla.

After a period of adjustment returning to the 11-man game — following years of success in 8-man football — this win represented a accomplishment for this year’s club.

Last week, Foothills Christian showed signs of life in a 38–23 loss to O’Farrell Charter, posting their previous season-high in points but falling short against a stronger, more experienced Falcons squad.

Against Tri-City Christian, however, the Knights lived up to expectations, demonstrating their ability to execute both offensively and defensively and finally secure a season-opening victory.

Foothills Christian will now turn its attention to regional foe Mountain Empire, scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff next Friday, looking to build on the momentum from this first triumph.

Tri-City Christian, meanwhile, has no remaining games scheduled and will finish the season at 0–9.