Rio Hondo Prep fell 35-10 in the Division 2A State Championship to Sonora in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated teams. The Kares did not get their story book ending, but ultimately it's the many memorable chapters they've written on this journey that will stand the test of time. The incredible 3 year run Rio has been on is truly remarkable. Their back to back to back CIF Southern Section Titles are historical and significant in many ways. We owe the Senior class tremendous gratitude for raising the standards of RHP Football and taking every challenge head on. This is not the end of the story. This story never ends. We continue on as a program to carry on this great tradition. We grow as a family. We prepare for the many opportunities in the future. Head Coach Mark Carson helps me wrap up the season before we unwrap Christmas gifts in a few short days. As we close out the show, I say goodbye with a slideshow that will hopefully pay tribute to the most memorable season in Rio Hondo Prep Football history.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Both Rio Hondo Prep and Sonora are making a return to the State Championship Game this Saturday at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Last season the Wildcats raised the Division 4A Crown while the Kares lost on the final play of the game in the Division 3A Overtime thriller. Both teams are undefeated and have been on a collision course for quite some time to see who is the best of all the small schools in the entire state of California. The story has been legendary for these two programs with one final chapter to be written. Our featured guest today is 1977 CIF Champion Chuck Mariotti who gets us ready for the biggest game in Rio's history by taking us back in time so to speak. Additionally, my good friend Shalimar Jackson makes a Special Appearance and chats with me about his new program Whayle Mentality which focuses on engaging emotional intelligence in order to be way more than just an athlete.
CIF Division 2A State ChampionshipSaturday, December 13th at 11:30am- Saddleback College
Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)
Rio Hondo Prep was victorious in another Regional down in San Diego with a 26-21 win over a feisty Santa Fe Christian team that pushed the Kares to be there best when it was required. Christian Lee had four Touchdowns and the Rio Defense cause two turnovers that were the difference in the game. Head Coach Mark Carson joins us to share his thoughts on his team returning to a second consecutive State Championship and how this unprecedented ride has continued to be a story for the ages. We also have Senior Team Manager Benny Tardino and Junior OL Julian Rodriguez on the show to give is some insight into how special it is to be part of such an amazing program.
Division 2A State Final- 11:30am Saturday at Saddleback College
Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)
The Rio Hondo Prep Kares are making their 4th Regional appearance in school history. Their first time was back in 2012 and that also happened to be against Santa Fe Christian down in San Diego. The Eagles defeated one of Rio's greatest ever teams that night 13 years ago. We have two great guests to get us ready for the anticipated rematch. Scott Wideman was the Quarterback of the 1977 CIF Champs and shares plenty of memories from Rio Hondo over the years on the gridiron. We are also joined by Robert Morales who started a documentary about RHP Football back in 2012 and is currently collecting content to complete a film that is sure to continue the never ending story of the most special football program in Southern California.
Rio Hondo Prep won their third consecutive CIF-SS Title and 17th overall with an impressive 29-7 road victory over Redondo Union. The Kares not only won the Division 5 Bracket which was their highest ever level of play, but they defeated every opponent in a convincing fashion that continues to leave the skeptics scratching their heads for answers. The RHP Faithful was out in full force on Saturday night and the greatest alumni fanbase in the SGV couldn't be more proud to be a Kare during this historic run. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the huge night for his football program and how they continue to proudly carry the torch of playing the Rio way. We also have Senior TE/LB Rainn Pollock and Junior WR/LB Aiden Delgadillo on for the player portion of the podcast.
Rio Hondo Prep (14-0) will travel to San Diego County and take on Santa Fe Christian (13-0) at Carlsbad High School for the CIF Division 2-A Regional this Saturday at 6:00pm.
Rio Hondo Prep is playing in its 24th CIF Southern Section Championship Game this Saturday night at Redondo Union High School. The Kares are chasing their 17th Title in school history and will be taking on a very talented Seahawk team that might be the 16th seed in the Division 5 bracket but are hands down the toughest team RHP has ever faced in the Playoffs. We have two great guests this Thanksgiving that are sure to get you hungry for more in the South Bay this weekend. Torrance Head Coach Ray Carter faced Redondo Union twice this season and will break down why they are such a challenging opponent. Additionally, we have 1977 CIF Champion Craig Clingman on the show to take us back to the early days of Rio Hondo Prep Football.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
The Rio Hondo Prep Kares solidified themselves as a premier program in the San Gabriel Valley with a 35-6 victory over La Serna in the Division 5 Semifinals. The Kares played with nearly flawless execution on both sides of the ball at West Covina HS on Friday night and delivered another eye opening statement win for fans across Southern California. Rio Hondo advanced to their 24th Southern Section Final in school history and will be pursuing their 17th Title. Head Coach Mark Carson talks about the big win and how RHP Football has officially made a name for itself. We are also joined by Senior RB/DE Nathaniel Shine and Junior QB/DB Isaac Guzman who share their excitement to be part of another magical playoff run by Rio Hondo Prep.
The San Gabriel Valley has seen its fair share of incredible matchups during the Postseason over the years, but nothing can quite compare to what we will see at Covina District Field on Friday night as the La Serna Lancers (9-3) take on the Rio Hondo Prep Kares (12-0) in the CIF-SS Division 5 Semifinals. Many have wanted to see these two juggernauts square off after their recent successful runs and they will do so this week with a third straight trip to the Finals on the line for both programs. Schurr Head Coach Austin Montoya returns to the show to help us break down the big SGV showdown as his Spartans faced off against both teams the first two weeks of the season. Additionally, Azusa Pacific University Head Coach AJ Parnell stops by in the 2nd half to talk about bringing back APU Cougar Football after a six year hiatus and how he will build back their Christ centered tradition on the Gridiron.
Rio Hondo Prep improved to 12-0 with a dominating shutout win over the Troy Warriors in the Division 5 Quarterfinals. Throughout a steady downpour of rain at Arroyo High School in El Monte, the Kares came out on fire and never looked back. Noah Penunuri ran wild early and often while scoring all 4 Touchdowns for Rio. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the huge 28-0 win for his program and shares his excitement for a 3rd consecutive trip to the Semifinals. We are also joined by Senior OL/DL Elijah Gavia and Senior WR/DB Jace Frary who each reflect on just how special the experience has been playing football at Rio Hondo Prep. The Kares host La Serna next Friday in what is arguably the biggest game in San Gabriel Valley history.
Rio Hondo Prep (11-0) will host the Troy Warriors (10-1) in the Quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 5 Playoffs. The game will be played at Arroyo High School in El Monte and heavy rain is expected to fall. The Kares have one of the best rushing attacks in Southern California, but their 2nd Round opponent loves to run the football as well. Whoever can make a stand and stop the run best in this trench warfare type of fight will advance to the Semifinals. Tony Moskal is our guest this week. He has spent most of his career in teaching and coaching but has become one of the most inciteful broadcasters in high school football. Moskal is the Color Analyst for the Game of the Week across the Spectrum Sport Networks and pulls no punches when it comes to breaking down the poetry in motion that we hold so dear under those Friday Night Lights.
Rio Hondo Prep trailed by two scores early on against the Thousand Oaks Lancers in the 1st Round of the Division 5 Playoffs. However, the Kares played with passion and poise to complete an impressive come from behind victory by outscoring the home team 43-13 the remainder of the contest. Rio Hondo played relentless on defense and with superb execution on offense for a 50-34 win at the highest level they've ever competed in for the Postseason. Head Coach Mark Carson makes his weekly appearance to recap the historic comeback for his program. We are also joined by Junior RB/LB Christian Lee and Junior WR/DB Elias Har who each scored Touchdowns in Rio's big opening statement.
Rio Hondo Prep will make history on Friday night as they take the field in the highest division they've ever participated in for the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. The 16 time Champions will be competing in Division 5 this November as they try to defend their back to back Titles from 2023 in D9 and 2024 in D7. The Kares will travel to Thousand Oaks and take on the 8-2 Lancers who are full of college bound athletes. After countless uphill battles in the Postseason the past two years, Rio Hondo is poised for another challenge of a lifetime. Our featured guest is Aram Tolegian who has been covering High School Football for over 20 years and knows the teams in the San Gabriel Valley better than anyone. We discuss Rio's steady ascent into being one of the elites in the SGV and the perception from those who aren't affiliated with the program. Additionally, Senior London Sayegh makes a quick special appearance on the show after she recently modeled a book report in Literature class as a satire of the Charge To Keep podcast. The 2025 Kares have accepted their dangerous mission for the Division 5 Playoffs. As they figuratively take off from their aircraft carrier this Friday night, we wish them Godspeed.
Rio Hondo Prep (10-0) was officially placed in Division 5 of the Southern Section Playoffs and will travel to Thousand Oaks (8-2) in the 1st Round this Friday night. The Kares have the longest road trip in their Bracket but are no strangers to traveling to big away games in the Postseason. The Road Warriors and their loyal fans wouldn't have it any other way. Head Coach Mark Carson reacts to the release of the matchups in real time and shares his team's excitement for another memorable opportunity. We are also joined by Seniors Diego Raygoza and Brayden Vinton on what playing for RHP has meant to them during this incredible journey the past few seasons.
In the regular season finale this Thursday night, Rio Hondo Prep will defend their undefeated record and their home turf against the 6-3 Santee Falcons from the CIF LA City Section. The Senior Class will be honored in a very special pregame ceremony that will acknowledge one of the most iconic 4 year runs in the history of the program. Be sure to get to Kare Park a little early this week to pay tribute to the Class of 2026 and partake in the In N Out Burger Cookout Truck which will be on hand. Our guest this week is 2006 Rio grad Bill Baumgartner who was an elusive Running Back on RHP's first 11 Man CIF Championship in 2005. It has been 20 years since that unforgettable moment, and we have continued to see just how far Rio Hondo Football has grown while carrying on the proud tradition of those who came before them.
Rio Hondo Prep improved to 9-0 and won their second consecutive Gold Coast League Title with a resounding victory over the Brentwood Eagles at Sofi Stadium on Saturday night. The Kares brought their A-game to Inglewood and were impressive under the bright lights of the best stadium in the NFL. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the unbelievable experience for his team and the community that loves them. Senior RB/LB Noah Penunuri also stops by after he officially became the new all time leading rusher for RHP by surpassing Rio legend Landon Goodwell. Penunuri is as humble as they come and continues to show why he is the ultimate example of what it means to be a Kare.
Rio Hondo Prep has embraced many challenges over the years and in doing so has created countless memories along the way. Although they played in Northern California last year and Texas this season, the Kares will be under the brightest lights in Tinseltown when they take on their rivals the Brentwood Eagles in Sofi Stadium this Saturday night at 4:30pm. The winner will be awarded as an automatic qualifier into the 2025 Postseason and be able to walk away from the 8th Wonder of the World as Gold Coast League Champions. Our special guest this week is Brentwood Head Coach Jake Ford. He has been with the Eagles for over a decade and has recently found the formula to neutralize RHP in their annual matchup. The conversation with Coach Ford will have you ready to root for both teams in what has become one of the best rivalries in Southern California. Join us in Inglewood this Saturday for a historical moment that both of these programs can cherish forever.
Rio Hondo Prep improved to 8-0 after a 41-10 victory over the Viewpoint Patriots in Week 8. The Kares looked fresh after their Bye Week but did have some uncharacteristic hiccups along the way. Noah Penunuri scored twice and gained more ground toward two big Rio records. Nathaniel Shine had two powerful Touchdown runs and two Sacks on Defense. Calogero Chico took an Interception 67 yards to the House. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps all the action from Friday night in Simi Valley and offers more insight into the RHP Football Program. As a special treat, we have the Harrington brothers on for the Player Portion of the Podcast. Both Nick and Dorian Harrington have developed greatly as football players and are enjoying every opportunity set before them.
After a well earned Bye Week, Rio Hondo Prep takes their 7-0 record to Simi Valley High School this Friday night as they take on the 7-0 Viewpoint Patriots. The Gold Coast League opener features two undefeated teams that are on a collision course where someone's perfect record will fall in Week 8. Our guest this week is LA City Firefighter Isaac Holguin who won 2 Football Championships at RHP in 2011 and 2012 as well as the school's first ever Boys Basketball Title in 2013. His brother Jake is a United States Marine and the Holguin family has continued to be great supporters of Rio Hondo. Isaac was also a proud member of the Interagency Hotshot Crew for the US Forest Service where he fought large wildfires from 2018-2024.
Rio Hondo Prep will leave the great State of Texas with a 7-0 record after defeating defending back to back State Champion First Baptist Academy 49-28. Noah Penunuri ran wild for 261 yards and 5 Touchdowns while the Kares rushed for 465 yards as a team. Rio Hondo Prep represented themselves well on the field under the Friday Night Lights of the Lone Star State, but it was the overwhelming support from fans, families, and alumni that were in attendance in Dallas that really showed the exceptionalism of California's most unique program. On the player portion of the podcast we will be joined by Senior OL Jacob Gomez and Senior DB Adrian Mendoza who each made huge contributions on Friday. Head Coach Mark Carson also makes his weekly appearance to recap his team's unprecedented trip across the country in yet another new chapter of Rio Hondo Prep Football.
Rio Hondo Prep (6-0) has never traveled out of state to play a football game. In Week 6 the Kares will be under the Friday Night Lights of Dallas, Texas to take on First Baptist Academy (4-1) in front of their Homecoming crowd. The Saints are defending back to back State Champions in Division 4 of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Our special guest this week is FBA Head Coach Jason Lovvorn who couldn't be more excited to host the 16 time CIF Southern Section Champions from California. Both schools are two of the smallest enrollments out there that play Championship level 11 man football and have more in common than both fan bases may realize. It's the Golden State vs the Lone Star State this Friday night in an unprecedented matchup of small school football programs that accomplish big things on and off the field.