Sierra Canyon football routs Orange Lutheran; shows its ready for first Division 1 playoffs

Sierra Canyon moves to 4-0 this season, including two wins over Trinity League teams in JSerra and Orange Lutheran.

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA - Sierra Canyon football coach Jon Ellinghouse has scheduled what he calls "step-up games" the last three seasons for his program. Heavyweight matchups that served as litmus tests to gauge the progress of the eventual goal: the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.

The Trailblazers played St. John Bosco, JSerra (twice), Corona Centennial, Servite and Mission Viejo (twice) — all teams that have earned Division 1 playoff berths in recent years.

In those seven regular-season games from the spring of 2021 through the end of last season, Sierra Canyon went 1-6. The lone win came against JSerra in the fall of 2021.

"Each game we played during that journey, we were earning respect," Ellinghouse said. "We went toe-to-toe with St. John Bosco, played a really good half against Centennial. We knew we were getting there."

Times have changed. The days of "step-up games" are over at Sierra Canyon. It could be argued that in 2023, Ellinghouse's program is now the step-up game on everyone else's schedule.

The Trailblazers topped Orange Lutheran 40-6 Friday night at Orange Coast College, which made the Trailblazers 2-0 against the Trinity League this season after beating JSerra 9-7 on August 18.

Sierra Canyon QB Wyatt Becker celebrates after a touchdown against Orange Lutheran / Nick Koza

The victory makes Sierra Canyon 4-0 and likely solidifies its berth to the almighty Division 1 playoffs, barring catastrophe in the Mission League, which is considerable down this season and the Trailblazers are favorited to win. 

"We have a long way to go, but I like the way we're playing," Ellinghouse said.

It would be the first time in Sierra Canyon's football history it earned a Division 1 playoff berth — the Southern Section's highest postseason division.

Sierra Canyon quarterback Wyatt Becker threw for 188 yards and two touchdowns on 16 of 30 passing. Running back Dane Dunn rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Terrell Cooks Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns.

Orange Lutheran (3-2) was without starting quarterback TJ Lateef (shoulder) and backup sophomore quarterback Alex Medyn got hurt in the second quarter. Freshman Julian Medina had to finish the game for the Lancers, who dropped to 3-2.

Junior running back Steve Chavez ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.

Sierra Canyon will take on Saguaro at home on Sept. 22. Orange Lutheran will have a much-needed bye before starting Trinity League play against JSerra on Sept. 29.

(Feature photo credit: Nick Koza)