Senior running back Jacob Jimenez scores three touchdowns. At the same time, Azari Warren electrifies with two kickoff return scores as the Huskies hold off a late Mustang surge to advance to the quarterfinals.

Under the glow of playoff lights and the energy of a packed home crowd, the Chino Hills Huskies delivered a statement victory in the opening round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 playoffs, defeating the Mira Costa Mustangs, 42–35, in a back-and-forth thriller on Friday night.

The matchup featured two disciplined, playoff-tested programs. Chino Hills entered with an 8–2 overall record and second place in the Baseline League, while Mira Costa arrived at 7–3 as the fourth-place finisher from the Bay League.

Setting the Tone: A Coach’s Focused Mindset

Before kickoff, Huskies head coach Keland Johnson emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and unity heading into the postseason.

“We just want to keep our brotherhood going—the love we have for each other on and off the field,” Johnson said. “As long as our players give full effort and believe in our culture, tonight will be successful.”

That sense of brotherhood was tested early.

First Quarter: Fast Start for Mira Costa, Swift Answer by Chino Hills

Mira Costa struck first when quarterback Liam Meeker connected with junior running back Kingston Davies for a 59-yard touchdown just three plays into the game, giving the Mustangs a quick 7–0 lead.

The Huskies responded immediately. After a strong return by Azari Warren set up excellent field position, junior kicker Noah Ahari drilled a 32-yard field goal to put Chino Hills on the board. On their next drive, senior running back Jacob Jimenez powered through for a 16-yard touchdown to cap an 83-yard drive, giving Chino Hills a 10–7 lead with seven seconds left in the first quarter.

Second Quarter: Defense and Discipline

Mira Costa’s offense faltered early in the second quarter with two fumbles recovered by Chino Hills. The Huskies capitalized both times—first with another Ahari field goal from 28 yards, then a five-yard touchdown run by Jimenez, followed by a two-point conversion pass from Alex Medyn to Luke Lopez, extending the lead to 21–7 midway through the quarter.

Just before halftime, Mira Costa clawed back when Barrett Ryan intercepted a Medyn pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 21–14 at the break.

Third Quarter: Warren Ignites the Crowd

On the opening kickoff of the second half, senior Azari Warren exploded for a 92-yard return touchdown that sent the Chino Hills sideline erupting. But Mira Costa responded just as quickly—Meeker hit Davies again for a 74-yard touchdown on the next drive, narrowing the deficit to 28–21.

The Huskies’ answer came in the form of their steady ground game. Behind a strong offensive line, Jimenez pounded in his third touchdown of the night on a two-yard run, extending the lead to 35–21.

Mira Costa countered once more, with Meeker engineering a 10-play, 70-yard drive capped by his own one-yard touchdown run. But Warren wasn’t done—on the ensuing kickoff, he returned another kick 90 yards for a touchdown, his second of the night, giving Chino Hills a 42–28 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: Mira Costa Rallies, Huskies Hold Firm

The Mustangs refused to quit. AJ McBean sparked a late drive with a 23-yard run, and Davies punched in his third touchdown of the night from nine yards out, cutting the deficit to 42–35 with just over eight minutes remaining.

Mira Costa’s defense forced a three-and-out, setting up one final drive. Meeker connected with Luke Leonard for a 29-yard gain to the Huskies’ 35-yard line, but on fourth down, a trick-play reverse ended in a fumble recovered by Chino Hills. The Huskies ran out the clock to seal the victory.

Postgame Reflections: Execution and Team Effort

After the win, Coach Johnson praised his players’ resilience and execution.

“Credit to Mira Costa—they’re a very well-coached team and gave us everything they had,” Johnson said. “I thought both defenses would be stout, but I’m proud of how our offense performed early. We started off five-for-five on drives and did what we needed to do.”

Johnson also singled out key contributors for their performances.

“Jacob [Jimenez] has been that player all year—he’s our workhorse. And Azari [Warren] is just a phenomenal athlete. That speed on special teams is hard to catch,” he said. “It was all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams—that made it work tonight.”

With the victory, Chino Hills (9–2) advances to face Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks) in the quarterfinals on Friday, November 14, after the Knights defeated Laguna Beach 44–28.

By the Numbers

Chino Hills Leaders

Passing: Alex Medyn — 13/20, 115 yds, 1 INT

Rushing: Jacob Jimenez — 25 car, 125 yds, 3 TD

Receiving: Calum Ferrell — 6 rec, 69 yds

Kick Returns: Azari Warren — 3 ret, 237 yds, 2 TDs (92, 90)

Kicking: Noah Ahari — 2 FG (31, 28), 4/4 PATs

Defense: Troy Reams — 1 sack (−19 yds)

Mira Costa Leaders

Passing: Liam Meeker — 14/20, 233 yds, 2 TD

Rushing: AJ McBean — 12 car, 70 yds

Receiving: Kingston Davies — 3 rec, 141 yds, 2 TDs (59, 74)

Next Up

The Huskies travel to Sherman Oaks for a Division 3 quarterfinal showdown against Notre Dame, scheduled for Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m.

Game Photos

Photos taken by Rico’s Sports Pix