GAME PLAN: Los Alamitos Makes Championship Statement in Alpha League Showdown

Los Alamitos 41, Edison 22 | Thursday, October 16, 2025

From my years on the sideline, I can tell you this: rivalry games are won in the second half when physicality meets preparation. Tonight at Los Alamitos, we witnessed a masterclass in halftime adjustments and championship-caliber execution as the Griffins dismantled Edison 41-22, protecting their perfect 8-0 record and sending shockwaves through the Alpha League.

FILM ROOM: The Tale of Two Halves

First Half (21-16 Los Alamitos): Walking into the locker room with a five-point lead, most coaches would feel nervous. Edison came to play, matching Los Al’s physicality punch-for-punch. At 5-2, the Chargers had nothing to lose and everything to prove. That’s dangerous.

But here’s what I saw that told me everything: Los Alamitos quarterback Collin Greeson was already putting Edison’s defense in the blender. The junior signal-caller was “throwing the ball everywhere” and creating plays with his legs when the pocket collapsed. That’s not just talent—that’s a kid who’s been coached up and trusts his preparation.

Second Half Domination: This is where championship teams separate themselves. Los Alamitos outscored Edison 20-6 in the final two quarters. That’s not luck. That’s superior conditioning, deeper roster talent, and most importantly—coaching adjustments that Edison couldn’t answer.

SCOUT REPORT: Lenny Ibarra – The Alpha League’s Worst Nightmare

Let me break down what 216 rushing yards against an Alpha League defense really means:

The Numbers:

• 216 rushing yards
• 2 touchdowns
• Avg. of roughly 10+ yards per carry (estimated)
• Performance against a defense that came in allowing far less

The Coaching Points: When a running back puts up these numbers in a rivalry game, it’s not just about talent. It’s about:

1. Offensive Line Dominance – You don’t get 216 yards without your big guys controlling the line of scrimmage
2. Play Calling Commitment – Los Al’s staff stuck with the run when it mattered
3. Second-Level Blocking – Receivers and tight ends finished blocks downfield
4. Vision and Patience – Ibarra let plays develop and hit the right gaps

This is textbook complementary football. Greeson kept Edison’s defense honest with the passing game, then Ibarra delivered the knockout blows on the ground.

COACHING POINTS: What This Game Reveals

For Los Alamitos (8-0):

✓ They can win different ways – Greeson’s arm, Ibarra’s legs, balanced attack ✓ Second-half team – The conditioning and depth is real ✓ Championship mentality – Didn’t flinch when Edison made it competitive ✓ Statement made – Rest of Alpha League just got the message

For Edison (5-3):

This loss stings, but here’s the coaching truth: They competed for a half. The gap isn’t talent—it’s depth and execution in the championship rounds. Good program, tough loss, but there’s football left to play.

TIMEOUT: The Bigger Picture

What would you do if you’re Mission Viejo or San Clemente watching this film?

This Los Alamitos team just showed you the blueprint they’re running. But here’s the challenge: knowing what’s coming and stopping it are two different things. When you have a dual-threat QB like Greeson keeping safeties honest and a workhorse like Ibarra punishing seven-man boxes, you’re picking your poison.

As a coach, I’d be spending all weekend on our run fits and gap integrity. You’re not going to out-athlete Los Al right now—you have to out-execute them.

THE ALPHA LEAGUE PECKING ORDER

Los Alamitos just announced themselves as the team to beat in the Alpha League. With games against San Clemente and Mission Viejo still potentially on the schedule, this Orange County powerhouse conference just got more interesting.

The coaching reality: Undefeated teams in Week 8 don’t stay perfect by accident. They have the horses, the coaching staff, and most importantly—the belief.

FINAL WHISTLE THOUGHTS

In 216 rushing yards, Lenny Ibarra didn’t just beat Edison—he announced his Alpha League MVP candidacy. Combine that with Greeson’s dynamic playmaking, and Los Alamitos is rolling into the meat of their schedule with serious momentum.

My game ball: Lenny Ibarra, no question. But honorable mention to the offensive line that made it possible.

What’s Next: Mission Viejo and San Clemente just got their Thursday night scouting report handed to them. The message is clear: if you want to stay in this Alpha League race, you better be ready for physical, four-quarter football.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? If you’re coaching against Los Al next week, how do you game plan for this two-headed monster? Eight-man boxes and dare Greeson to beat you? Or play it honest and try to win one-on-one matchups?

Drop your coaching decisions in the comments. Let’s talk strategy.

#AlphaLeague #OrangeCountyFootball #CoachsPerspective #LosAlamitosFootball #RivalryWeek

Editor’s Note: This analysis represents the perspective of a former college coach now covering high school football. All insights are based on game observation and coaching experience.