Football Recap: University Falls Despite Big Games from Arden Marchiorlatti and Carson Cruz

University was the 35-24 winner over Portola when they last played one another back in October of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Trojans took a 26-20 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Bulldogs on Wednesday. While losing is never fun, the Trojans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 347th, while the Bulldogs are ranked 55th).

University's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Carson Cruz, who threw for 242 yards and three TDs, and Arden Marchiorlatti, who picked up 132 receiving yards and one touchdown. Cruz has become a key player for the Trojans: the team is 2-1 when she posts at least three passing touchdowns, but 3-9 otherwise.

Saige Leung

Total Tackles

08/13/25 vs San Clemente	1
08/30/25 vs Eastside	1
09/01/25 vs Shadow Hills	1
08/14/25 vs Beckman	2
08/22/25 vs Trabuco Hills	2

University didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off five passes before the game was over. Saige Leung led the group effort, picking up two of those interceptions all by herself. She also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with nine.

This is the second loss in a row for University and nudges their season record down to 5-10. As for Portola, their victory was their sixth straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 15-2.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. University will venture away from home to square off against Sage Hill at 3:30 p.m. on Monday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (the Trojans 14.3, the Lightning 11.4) so any points scored will be well earned. As for Portola, they are taking a road trip to challenge Foothill at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (the Bulldogs 9.5, the Knights 10.2) so any points scored will be well earned.