Game info/stats by Harry Joe & photos courtesy of Jeff Serpa & Tim Lunney

Football:

It would be nearly impossible to overstate the significance of Rio Hondo Prep’s current run.

The Kares wrapped up a 29-7 victory at Redondo Union in the championship game of the CIF-SS Division 5 playoffs.

In the last three years, RHP is 12-0 in the CIF-SS postseason, and they’ve earned D-9, D-7 and D-5 titles in that order.

Over the last 20 years, only Mater Dei (2021-23) has equaled that feat in 11-man football.

And they managed to secure a comfortable road victory in spite of missing the best running back in program history (Noah Penunuri) for most of Saturday’s contest.

A hobbled Penunuri carried the ball just two times for three yards.

The Kares defense has been nothing short of remarkable.

They’ve allowed 13 total points in their quarterfinal, semifinal and championship wins over Troy, La Serna and Redondo Union, respectively.

RHP’s defense also held Troy (35), La Serna (20) and Redondo Union (18) to a combined 73 points under their weekly scoring average.

On Saturday, the Kares held the Sea Hawks to just 207 yards of total offense and six first downs.

And they (Aiden Delgadillo) picked Cole Leinart, the son of Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, and returned it 21 yards for a score and a 20-7 lead early in the third quarter.

RHP would hold the Sea Hawks offense scoreless for the final 41:31 to earn a third ring in as many years.

RUHS got on the board first.

At the 6:31 mark of the first quarter, Bo Ausmus sprinted 99 yards for a TD and a 7-0 lead.

Less than five minutes later, Elias Har scored on a 16-yard TD run to even the game at 7-7.

Rio Hondo Prep took a 14-7 advantage into the break after Nathaniel Shine rumbled into the end zone from one yard out.

Just 38 seconds into the second half is when Delgadillo picked Leinart and returned it for a TD.

For all intents and purposes, Christian Lee put the championship on ice with his 13-yard TD run.

Easton Jara’s 21-yard field goal at 7:11 of the fourth quarter capped the scoring on Saturday night.

Shine led RHP with 60 yards on 15 carries.

Lee gained 53 yards on 11 carries, and Har finished with 52 rushing yards on five touches.

Calogero Chico also contributed 37 rushing yards on six carries.

Yanick Diaz completed 3-of-9 for 78 yards.

Chico had a 59-yard reception, while Rainn Pollock (1-for-16) and Tyler Dang (1-for-3) combined to reel in a pair of passes for 19 yards.

Ethan Lo, Troy Seto, Pollock and Lee had four tackles apiece to lead the Kares defense.

Elijah Gavia, Delgadillo and Dang each tallied three tackles, while Deven Gomez and Chico contributed two tackles apiece.

Delgadillo also had an 11-yard sack.

Leinart was 10-of-20 for just 57 yards, including a second pick by Seto.

Ausmus gained a game-high 154 rushing yards on seven carries.

Adrian Ortiz (4-for-12 yards) and Christian Zeno (4-for-12) combined for eight receptions for 46 yards.

The Kares had statistical advantages in first downs (17-6), rushing yards (220-150), passing (78-57) and total offense (298-207).

Rio Hondo Prep also played a much more disciplined brand of football.

They were flagged twice for 20 yards, while RUHS totaled nine penalties for 65 yards.

Up next: RHP will get their CIF State opponent shortly.

The Kares are two potential wins from the greatest season in program history.

Last year, Rio Hondo Prep secured a 28-14 at Poway in the So Cal Regional final before dropping a 42-41 decision to Vanden in the D-3A state championship at Vets Stadium in Long Beach.

It was their first state playoff win in school history, and they were a successful 2-point conversion away from a state title.

Quotable:

RHP coach, Mark Carson: “It was a game time decision with Noah. Had he shown he was his explosive self, we would have kept giving him the ball. We thought we had better options, and we saw we were getting it done with other guys. It’s a testament to our depth. Our defense did a great job affecting the pass game and getting in the pass lanes and containing their RPO. We had a couple of tipped passes, including a pick-six. We like to think we play total football, and our offense plays off our defense and vice versa. Elias Har is a receiver that we get a ball in creative ways, and he’s just an explosive player. He’s come up big on both sides of the ball. Nathaniel Shine is our ground-and-pound running back, and he just abuses the defenses of any Rio opponent with his style of play. Christian Lee is a silky-smooth slasher who can get through holes and the smallest creases. Calogero Chico is a great change of pace back. He’s difficult to find because he’s really quick. I also want to give credit to our staff. I’m privileged to be able to coach with some of the greatest football minds I know, and they’re also some great friends.”

To view a photo gallery by Jeff Serpa, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

To view part 1 of a 2-part photo gallery by Tim Lunney, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

To view part 2 of a 2-part photo gallery by Tim Lunney, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

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Box Score:
RHP: 7-7-12-3-(29)
RU: 7-0-0-0-(7)

Scoring:
RU: Bo Ausmus 99 run (Parker Blevins kick)
RHP: Elias Har 16 run (Easton Jara kick)
RHP: Nathaniel Shine 1 run (Easton Jara kick)
RHP: Aiden Delgadillo 21 interception return (kick failed)
RHP: Christian Lee 13 run (run failed)
RHP: Easton Jara 21 FG

Records: Rio Hondo Prep (14-0); Redondo Union (9-5)

RHP’s Historic Run to CIF-SS Championship:
11/7: RHP 50, Thousand Oaks 34
11/14: RHP 28, Troy 0
11/21: RHP 35, La Serna 6
11/29: RHP 29, Redondo Union 7