La Habra High School’s football team is set to compete for its eighth championship title under coach Frank Mazzotta as they face the San Jacinto Tigers on November 25, 2025. The matchup occurs at 7 p.m. in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 title game, marking a significant moment for the Highlanders, who are looking to add to their impressive history of success.
Mazzotta, who has been at the helm since 2000, boasts a remarkable record in championship games, having won seven titles since his initial appearance. The Highlanders last secured a championship in 2015, defeating San Clemente with a score of 39-26. This latest achievement reflects a consistent performance over the years, including a period from 2007 to 2010 when La Habra won four consecutive championships.
Team Dynamics and Player Highlights
The Highlanders enter this championship with a solid record of 10-3. A key element of their success is the versatility of their players, particularly junior quarterback DJ Mitchell. With numerous college offers from institutions such as Arkansas, Auburn, Colorado State, and San Diego State, Mitchell has demonstrated his dual-threat capability throughout the playoffs. He has amassed 2,553 passing yards and 29 touchdowns this season, and in a crucial semifinal victory over Oaks Christian, he rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown.
The Highlanders’ rushing attack is equally formidable, led by junior running back Kevika Mata’Utia-Martinez. In the semifinal, he rushed 29 times for 144 yards and a touchdown, contributing to La Habra’s near 300 rushing yards as a team. Mazzotta emphasized the importance of a balanced offensive strategy, stating, “All good teams this time of year have to be able to run the ball and throw the ball.”
Mitchell echoed this sentiment, recognizing the necessity of a strong ground game late in the season. “You have to run the football to win games,” he noted, highlighting the team’s adaptability to their opponents’ defensive strategies.
San Jacinto: A Resilient Opponent
San Jacinto, also with a record of 10-3, presents a significant challenge for La Habra. The Tigers have shown themselves to be resilient, winning their first two playoff games in overtime against Bishop Diego and Charter Oak. Their semifinal match against Villa Park concluded with a nail-biting 18-15 victory, aided by a critical fumble from Villa Park in the closing moments.
The Tigers’ offensive lineup is equally impressive, featuring sophomore quarterback Josue Estrada, who has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards this season. Senior running back Jomini Ransom leads a rushing attack that averages close to 200 yards per game. Martinez commented on the matchup, saying, “They’re good, we just have to stick to our game plan.”
Both teams come into this championship with a proven track record, and the players recognize the importance of executing their strategies effectively.
Mazzotta has instilled confidence in his team, praising their consistency and work ethic throughout the season. “No matter what happens, they’re always pretty steady,” he remarked. With both teams equally poised for success, the stakes are high as La Habra looks to continue its championship legacy against a determined San Jacinto squad.
