Lincoln and Granite Hills Set for Rematch in Division 1 football Championship
SAN DIEGO – Lincoln High School and Granite Hills High school are poised for a compelling clash in teh Division 1 football championship game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Granite Hills seeks an unprecedented fourth consecutive playoff championship, having previously claimed titles in division 2 (2002), the Open Division (2023), and Division 1 (last season). Lincoln aims to secure its first Division 1 crown.
The championship matchup pits Granite Hills’ high-powered passing attack against Lincoln’s dominant rushing game. Granite Hills advanced to the title game with decisive victories over Rancho Bernardo (56-7) and Mount Miguel (52-30), fueled by quarterback Zac Benitez, who has thrown for 3,365 yards and 35 touchdowns. His primary targets include noah Walker (58 catches, 1,042 yards, 12 TDs), Zhedan Smith (49-519), Tristan Diaz (61-519), DJ wilkins (35-481), and rocket demery (24-414). Lincoln reached the final by defeating Poway (51-41) and San Marcos (49-35), relying on a dual-quarterback system of Jordan Roa and Kainan Manna (combined 2,059 passing yards, 28 TDs) and a potent running back duo of Rashad Robinson and Junior curtis (combined 2,594 rushing yards, 37 TDs).
Both teams suffered a loss to Cathedral Catholic this season – Granite Hills falling 40-30 and Lincoln 42-33 – indicating the strength of the Open Division champion. Lincoln currently holds state and national rankings of No.11 and No. 84 respectively, according to MaxPreps, while Granite Hills is ranked No. 17 in the state.
Defensively, Granite Hills boasts 20 sacks and 15 interceptions, led by Brayden Wells, Cayden Phillips, and Hunter Hamilton. Lincoln’s defense, anchored by Prince Tavion, has recorded 29 sacks and 12 interceptions, with Seth Fanua (106 tackles), Tavion (100), cam Joy (81), and Cammeron Pernell (82) leading in tackles.
Prediction: Lincoln 35, Granite Hills 34.
