Sierra Canyon football continued its impressive start to the 2026 season as it defeated ranked Chaminade-Madonna in Florida, while West Ranch and Taft continued strong runs in girls volleyball.
The LA Daily News’ Athletes of the Week — for Aug. 24-30 — recognize the standout student-athletes in the CIF Southern Section and CIF LA City Section across multiple sports.
Want to nominate an athlete? Email Daily News preps coordinator and UCLA reporter Ethan Hanson at ehanson@scng.com.
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Nikita Luniv, Taft
The junior accounted for 18 digs in a sweep over Castaic last week for Taft, which has started the season 4-2.
Naiya Padilla, Heritage Christian
Padilla accounted for 26 digs and three aces during Heritage Christian’s five-set loss to Alemany last week. Heritage Christian has started the season 3-4.
GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL
Makena Cook, Sierra Canyon
The No. 1-rated flag football player in the nation, Cook, had her best performance of the season thus far against Alemany last week. Cook completed 18 of 24 passes for 283 yards as Sierra Canyon beat Alemany 53-0.
FOOTBALL
Marcus Fakatou, Sierra Canyon
The Ohio State commit had a breakout performance while Sierra Canyon overcame four turnovers, humidity and a time zone change on short rest. Fakatou made six tackles, including three TFLs, and accumulated 29 yards for loss to beat Chaminade-Madonna 24-7 last week.
Matthew Quintanilla, Kennedy
The linebacker and edge rusher Quintanilla made five tackles, including three TFLs, to help Kennedy stay undefeated with a 44-0 rout of Pasadena.
Brandon Bobadilla, Chatsworth
Bobadilla completed 26 of 35 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns to lead Chatsworth over Franklin 50-32.
Ford Green, Westlake
Green found four different receivers for touchdowns to lead Westlake over Agoura 38-7. Green completed 14 of 18 passes for 262 yards while six receivers accounted for receptions in the win at home.
Ford Green brings southern twist to Westlake’s football success