Patriots give Scripps Ranch the boot

By Ramon Scott
Updated: October 15, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

CHRISTIAN 16, SCRIPPS RANCH 15

EastCountySports.com

SCRIPPS RANCH – The Christian High Patriots pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of the San Diego prep football season Friday night, edging Scripps Ranch 16–15 on the road and snapping a five-game losing streak.

Entering as heavy underdogs, Christian (2–5) faced a Falcons team from the highly ranked Western League, with computer projections showing Scripps Ranch with around a three-touchdown advantage.

But the Patriots delivered a complete team performance, combining steady quarterback play, clutch special teams, and timely defense to earn the victory.

Quarterback Kaleb Runkle led the offensive charge, completing 18 of 27 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, connecting frequently with junior standout Kai Rosier, who hauled in seven receptions for 86 yards.

Rosier also caught the game’s only offensive touchdown for Christian on a 4-yard pass from Runkle early in the fourth quarter, pulling the Patriots within two points of the Falcons’ 15–6 lead.

Christian’s special teams proved decisive.

Senior kicker Steven Benson accounted for 10 of the Patriots’ 16 points, drilling three field goals — including a 51-yard go-ahead kick that proved to be the game-winner — and converting one PAT. Benson’s accuracy and range kept Christian within striking distance throughout the game and ultimately gave them the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Benson also had field goals of 35 and 36 yards to keep the Pats at within 8-6.

The Patriots’ defense rose to the occasion in the game’s final moments.

Scripps Ranch drove into field-goal range, setting up a potential 35-yard kick that could have won the game. The Falcons mishandled the snap, and Rosier tackled the kicker behind the line, preserving the dramatic victory for Christian.

The defensive effort also included two sacks by Julian Morones and Chase Togerson, while linebacker Gage Humora led the team with 10 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, keeping Scripps Ranch from extending their lead in the fourth quarter.

Despite the loss, Scripps Ranch (4–3) had strong individual performances. Malachi Sayles rushed for 101 yards on 18 carries, including a 42-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Parker Armstrong threw for 175 yards, connecting on a 72-yard touchdown pass. The Falcons had jumped to an early 8–0 lead following the touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion and had appeared in control for much of the first half.

Christian also relied on other contributors in both the passing and rushing game.

Runkle added 26 rushing yards, while Hank Houston added 28 receiving yards on five receptions.

Other receivers, including Jadon Wilkins and Soren Lucey, contributed key yardage with 38 and 19 yards, respectively.

In total, Christian finished with 197 passing yards and 38 rushing yards, moving the ball efficiently despite some challenges on the ground.

The victory marked Christian’s closest win since August 23, 2024, and was a statement performance against a Western League opponent. After grinding through one of the toughest schedules in the section, the Patriots finally combined offense, defense, and special teams to secure a road victory against a higher-ranked team.

Christian now looks ahead to Eastern League play, traveling to face St. Augustine next Friday at 7 p.m., while Scripps Ranch heads to Cathedral Catholic for their next game.