On Friday night, Kyle Colvin dropped 19 points and Carter Gran added 14 and Mission Prep held-on late to beat Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo.

One thing that always strikes me about Arroyo Grande is how they play together. The Eagles almost always pass-up an OK shot for a really good shot. On this night, Mission did the same at home and finished with the victory.

Photos by Owen Main. To view all photos click here

Atascadero beat Righetti to move to 2-0 and Paso Robles downed San Luis Obispo, dropping the Tigers to 0-2 in the young league season.

Unless you’re a coach, games are always better when they’re close. On Friday night, San Luis Obispo and Mission Prep matched-up in at least four varsity sports.

Boys’ Soccer

San Luis Obispo (11-3-2, 5-1-1) scored early and often in a win at San Luis Obispo High School. By the time I got to the game, about six or eight minutes in, the score was already 2-0 and the Tigers were lining up for a penalty kick. SLO continued to score in the second half — Grayson Stewart earned and finished a penalty — and the Tigers rolled over the Royals (3-12, 0-6) by a final score of 5-0.

Photos by Owen Main

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Girls’ Soccer

The girls’ soccer match promised to be closer than the boys’ game. Mission Prep (9-4-2, 3-1-2) has had a great season so far. Unfortunately for the Royals, SLO was undefeated coming in and continued the trend.

Through light rain at SLO High, the Tigers got a goal apiece in the first and second halves, controlling play for a 2-0 league win.

The Tigers are now 15-0-1 overall and 7-0 in Pac 8 play.

Photos by Owen Main

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Girls’ Basketball

While San Luis Obispo dominated the soccer matchups, Mission Prep got a pair of basketball wins. On the girls’ side, Andrew Richardson’s Royals (11-7, 5-2) used tough defense to beat the Tigers (9-9, 2-5) 44-25.

Boys’ Basketball

When I arrived, the game was just beginning, the atmosphere was already electric. With both the Mission and San Luis Obispo student sections jam-packed into Mission Prep’s gym, ear plugs would have been in order if I’d had them.

San Luis Obispo kept the game close for most of the first two quarters before Mission used runs in the second and third quarters to extend the lead that they’d hold onto throughout the fourth quarter.

For their part, San Luis Obispo (12-9, 3-4) looked like the improved squad they are. It would be great for high school sports in SLO if this rivalry continues to heat up the next time they face one another and in coming years.

Mission’s junior forward Kyle Stewart had a great game to the tune of 20 points — his patented “eyes-closed” shot release seemingly dialed-in.

Mission (11-8, 6-1) maintained their one-game deficit behind St. Joseph with the second half of Pac 8 play starting this week.

Photos by Owen Main

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All-SLO, all the time

I saw at least half of three games on Friday night and even managed to sneak in a burger at Franks between the two soccer games at SLO High. On February 12, all four teams will once again face-off in the final game of the regular season for all of them. I love rivalries.

On Friday night in the first round of CIF playoffs, Mission Prep scored three unanswered touchdowns to go up 21-7 at halftime. Unfortunately for the Royals, Aquinas scored three unanswered touchdowns of their own to beat Mission Prep 28-21.

Mission might have gone up by three touchdowns just before the half, but officials ruled Patrick Miller’s catch in the end zone incomplete. A subsequent Mission Prep field goal attempt failed and the Royals led by just 14 at halftime.

Mission Prep finishes the season 8-3 and won the Northern League title.

Photos by Owen Main – Click here for all photos

On Thursday night, Esperanza (Yorba Linda) beat Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo three sets to one. 

After Esperanza dominated the first set, the Royals came back to win the second set 26-24. Mission Prep kept things close in both the third and fourth sets, but came up a few points short in each. The Royals finish their season 23-7 overall.

For all photos from the match, click here. 

On Friday night, Mission Prep football completed an undefeated Northern League season, beating Morro Bay 54-19. The game was close in the first quarter until Morro Bay lost starting quarterback Isaac Manuputy. Mission dominated the second quarter en route to the big win, including consecutive interception returns for touchdowns by the defense.

The Royals finished the regular season 8-2 and will host a CIF playoff game Friday against Aquinas (San Bernardino).

Mission Prep Volleyball won a non-league girl’s volleyball match on Tuesday night against visiting Pioneer Valley.

After a win at Atascadero, the Royals are now 10-3 overall on the season.

Photos by Owen Main – To view or buy photos, click here.

Mission Prep used strong defensive play and an efficient ground game to beat Rio Hondo Prep 23-6 on Friday night in San Luis Obispo.

Braden Corona, a junior running back, racked-up 211 yards on 25 carries for the Royals, who didn’t give up any points after a first-quarter touchdown. With the score 7-6 and the clock winding down, Mission made a goal-line stand to finish the first half. The Royals finished the game by scoring 23 unanswered points.

Mission Prep (1-0), travels to Orange County for an away game next week at Crean Lutheran.

Photos by Owen Main