Patriots advance to Division 3 title game

By Ramon Scott
Updated: November 25, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL – SEMIFINALS

DIVISION 3: CHRISTIAN 20, ARMY-NAVY 17

EastCountySports.com

CARLSBAD — In a season defined by resilience and postseason heroics, especially on the road, the Christian Patriots delivered another dramatic upset Friday night, defeating No. 2 seed Army–Navy, 20–17, to advance to the Division III championship.

With the win, Christian moves one step closer to ending its 11-year CIF section title drought.

For a team that finished the regular season 5–7, the Patriots’ playoff run has been a testament to grit, balanced offense, and opportunistic defense.

The game opened with Army–Navy quarterback Judah Bogard connecting with Jacob Eastley to march the Warriors into the red zone, setting up a field goal that made it 3–0.

Christian countered late in the first quarter with a 30-yard field goal from Steven Benson following a 25-plus yard run by freshman Julian Morones, tying the game at 3–all.

Army–Navy responded in stunning fashion on the ensuing kickoff. Senior Landon Schrom returned the ball 96 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Warriors ahead 10–3.

Christian answered again before halftime with another Benson field goal, cutting the deficit to 10–6.

Christian’s second-half momentum began with quarterback Kaleb Runkle, who threw two touchdown passes in the second half and added 51 rushing yards. A 10-yard shovel pass to Hank Houston gave the Patriots their first lead at 13–10.

Later, on a critical 4th-and-short situation at the 1-yard line, Runkle rolled out and hit Soren Lucy on a tipped pass for a touchdown, extending the lead to 20–10.

Lucy also came up with a key interception late in the fourth quarter, helping seal the victory.

“Honestly, it was all out for the seniors,” Lucy said. “I really wanted to continue the season with them. I love my brothers and we just worked 100 percent and came out with a dub.”

Runkle added: “We started off rough today, but we came through with the win. It’s awesome—we’ve been working very hard since the beginning of the year, and it’s a blessing to be practicing this late in the season.”

Army–Navy wasn’t done.

Bogard found Roy Samoa for an 80-yard touchdown with just over two minutes remaining, cutting Christian’s lead to 20–17.

An onside kick attempt failed, and Christian’s defense held as the Warriors fell just short of a first down on a 4th-and-14 with 17 seconds left, allowing the Patriots to run out the clock.

Freshman Julian Morones finished with 58 rushing yards on nine carries, while senior Jadon Kirchhoefer added 50 rushing yards. Runkle accounted for 144 total yards and two touchdown passes.

With the win, Christian will face Central Union, who defeated University City 44–42, in the Division III championship.

For a Patriots program that has captured 10 CIF section titles but hasn’t hoisted the trophy since 2014, this victory continues a Cinderella postseason run built on road upsets, clutch plays, and steady leadership from both veterans and rising stars.

Lucy summed up the team’s mindset heading into the finals: “Our practices are going to be 100 percent serious now. It’s all up to God, and we’re going to win the CIF.”

For Christian High, the dream remains alive—one more win stands between them and a long-awaited section championship.

Statistical Leaders

Christian High (6-7)

Passing: Kaleb Runkle – 6-of-18, 96 yards, 2 TDs
Rushing: Julian Morones – 58 yards; J. Kirchhoefer – 50 yards; Kaleb Runkle – 48 yards
Receiving: Ronnie Scott – 41 yards; Hank Houston – 22 yards, 1 TD; Soren Lucy – 2-yard TD
All-Purpose: Christian – 321 total yards

Army–Navy (9-2)

Passing: Judah Bogard – 6-of-21, 173 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Team – 54 yards; Abraham Drame – 25 yards
Receiving: Troy Samoa – 90 yards, 1 TD; Jacob Eastley – 71 yards
All-Purpose: Army–Navy – 335 yards, including Schrom’s 96-yard kickoff return TD

Score by Quarters: