Kennedy junior quarterback Chaz Rodriguez steered the Cougars to a 34-24 victory over Granada Hills. This win ensures the school retains the "Tina" trophy for the fourth consecutive year.
The 34-24 battle for the 'Tina' trophy
The victory allows the Kennedy Cougars to keep the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce trophy , a traveling prize affectionately known as "Tina." This win marks the fourth straight season that Kennedy has successfully defended the trophy in a high-stakes matchup against a neighbor separated by only 2.3 miles.. According to the report, Kennedy enters the next phase of their season with a perfect 4-0 record.
The game was a tale of two halves, characterized by early instability for Kennedy and a late-game surge. Despite a shaky start plagued by snapping issues, the Cougars managed to orchestrate a decisive second-half rally to secure the ten-point margin of victory.
Wale Adeleye's 211 yards versus Chaz Rodriguez's three touchdowns
On paper, the Granada Hills Highlanders possessed the most dominant individual performance of the night. Junior running back Wale Adeleye rushed for 211 yards and scored all four of his team's touchdowns, including a massive 56-yard score. As the report says, Adeleye was particularly lethal in the first half, racking up 178 of his total yards before the break.
However, the Kennedy Cougars relied on the balanced playmaking of junior quarterback Chaz Rodriguez. Rodriguez accounted for three touchdowns, utiliziing both his legs and his arm, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to junior Max Zepeda in the third quarter. Rodriguez finished the night with 76 rushing yards, proving to be the more versatile threat when the game reached its critical juncture.
How Christopher Cabrera Jr.'s 280-pound frame anchored the Cougars
While the skill players grabbed the headlines, the Kennedy Cougars' success was built on the strength of their offensive line. Senior blocker Christopher Cabrera Jr ., who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds, was instrumental in creating the lanes necessary for Chaz Rodriguez to operate. Coach Troy Cassidy highlighted the growth of Cabrera Jr., noting that his kickout blocks were essential in keeping the Granada Hills defense off balance.
This physical dominance allowed Kennedy to sustain long drives, including an 11-play, 75-yard march that culminated in a touchdown with just 10 seconds remaining in the first half. This drive shifted the momentum, giving Kennedy a 13-12 lead going into the locker room.
Missed 2-point conversions and a 12-man penalty
The outcome of the game was as much about Granada Hills' mistakes as it was about Kennedy's execution. The Highlanders struggled with critical conversions, going 0-for-2 on two-point attempt tries during the first half. These missed opportunities left the door open for the Cougars to maintain their lead despite the rushing onslaught from Wale Adeleye.
The collapse of the Granada Hills effort peaked in the fourth quarter. While positioned on their own 6-yard line with a chance to swing the game, the Highlanders suffered a disastrous snap that traveled four yards backward. This was immediately followed by a penalty for having 12 men on the field, a sequence of errors that effectively ended their hopes of a comeback.
A 2.3-mile rivalry heading toward the Valley Mission League
This rivalry is deeply rooted in local geography, with the two schools located just 2.3 miles apart.. the intensity of the "Tina" trophy game serves as a precursor to the broader regional competition. Kennedy now prepares to open Valley Mission League play next Friday against Van Nuys, while Granada Hills, now 2-2, looks to reset before hosting Fairfax in week four.
Several questions remain regarding the consistency of both programs. It is unclear if Kennedy can resolve the snapping issues that nearly cost them the game, or if Granada Hills can translate Wale Adeleye's individual brilliance into a cohesive team strategy that avoids the self-inflicted turnovers and penalties seen in this matchup.
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