Conquerors Complete Historic Comeback Against Laguna Hills
Desert Christian Academy secured its first-ever football playoff victory on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, defeating Laguna Hills 28-21 in the opening round of the CIF Southern Section Division 7 playoffs.
The Conquerors overcame a deficit to claim the win, with junior Judah Garrison playing a pivotal role on defense. Garrison intercepted two passes during the game and returned one 101 yards for a touchdown. He also recovered a late fourth-quarter fumble that set up the go-ahead score.
Sophomore quarterback Mario Gallo contributed to the final outcome by running for the game-winning touchdown and throwing another pass to sophomore receiver Nathdaniel Guerrero in the fourth quarter.
The victory improved Desert Christian’s record to 11-0. The team will advance to play La Mirada (8-3) on the road in the second round of the playoffs.
Defensive Standings Seal Late Victory
Laguna Hills quarterback Jaxson Vanderbeek threw three of his four season interceptions against Desert Christian. Before facing the Conquerors, Vanderbeek had recorded only one interception in 212 attempts.
Desert Christian’s defense closed out the game with key stops. Junior Jayvon Garcia caught a touchdown pass on a broken play while the team was attempting a field goal. Sophomore linebacker Preston Martinez intercepted Laguna Hills’ final possession to seal the win.
Program Milestone and Future Outlook
Conquerors head coach Chris Johnson praised the team's effort following the historic win.
"This is a tough group. They worked really hard for this," Johnson said, according to The Desert Sun.
Garrison acknowledged the significance of the milestone while looking ahead to the remainder of the postseason.
"It’s our first playoff win ever, so that’s a lot of history right there... But our goal is CIF and our goal is state," Garrison said.
In other Division 7 playoff action, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, and Xavier Prep advanced in their respective divisions. La Quinta, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Desert Mirage were eliminated from the tournament.