Call To Arms

Call To Arms

As another school year has concluded with the 2026 Graduation, we officially turn to the upcoming 2026 Football Season and a full summer of weekly episodes to get us ready for the best time of the year. The last 3 seasons have seen the Kares win Southern Section Championships and grown the program to a completely higher level. Despite graduating many veteran players, there are plenty of reasons to remain hungry and relentless. Coach Carson joins me to kick off a 5th Season of the Charge To Keep podcast and our in depth coverage of Rio Hondo Prep Football. We discuss the summer schedule, game schedule, and a recap of the winter/spring sports. This is every Rio fan's official Call To Arms to help us fortify our positions for another Title defense.

Championship Goals

Rio Hondo Prep is playing in their first ever CIF Southern Section Soccer Final. The Kares hung their 17th Football banner in the Stivers Center just 2 months ago. Many players from that team have transitioned from shoulder pads to shin guards and are on the doorstep of making history for RHP. This scrappy bunch just seems to find a way to make things happen and executes their attacks with precision when it matters most. If you need 11 guys to unite and make something big happen, Rio Hondo has the perfect championship ready crew. Head Coach AJ Corsini stops by to give us some insight into why this group has been so successful. Seniors Dom Zazueta and Easton Jara join the show to share their excitement for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Never Ending Story

Rio Hondo Prep fell 35-10 in the Division 2A State Championship to Sonora in a highly anticipated matchup of undefeated teams. The Kares did not get their story book ending, but ultimately it's the many memorable chapters they've written on this journey that will stand the test of time. The incredible 3 year run Rio has been on is truly remarkable. Their back to back to back CIF Southern Section Titles are historical and significant in many ways. We owe the Senior class tremendous gratitude for raising the standards of RHP Football and taking every challenge head on. This is not the end of the story. This story never ends. We continue on as a program to carry on this great tradition. We grow as a family. We prepare for the many opportunities in the future. Head Coach Mark Carson helps me wrap up the season before we unwrap Christmas gifts in a few short days. As we close out the show, I say goodbye with a slideshow that will hopefully pay tribute to the most memorable season in Rio Hondo Prep Football history. MERRY CHRISTMAS

California Dreamin: Rio Hondo vs Sonora

Both Rio Hondo Prep and Sonora are making a return to the State Championship Game this Saturday at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. Last season the Wildcats raised the Division 4A Crown while the Kares lost on the final play of the game in the Division 3A Overtime thriller. Both teams are undefeated and have been on a collision course for quite some time to see who is the best of all the small schools in the entire state of California. The story has been legendary for these two programs with one final chapter to be written. Our featured guest today is 1977 CIF Champion Chuck Mariotti who gets us ready for the biggest game in Rio's history by taking us back in time so to speak. Additionally, my good friend Shalimar Jackson makes a Special Appearance and chats with me about his new program Whayle Mentality which focuses on engaging emotional intelligence in order to be way more than just an athlete. CIF Division 2A State ChampionshipSaturday, December 13th at 11:30am- Saddleback College Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)

On The Doorstep

Rio Hondo Prep was victorious in another Regional down in San Diego with a 26-21 win over a feisty Santa Fe Christian team that pushed the Kares to be there best when it was required. Christian Lee had four Touchdowns and the Rio Defense cause two turnovers that were the difference in the game. Head Coach Mark Carson joins us to share his thoughts on his team returning to a second consecutive State Championship and how this unprecedented ride has continued to be a story for the ages. We also have Senior Team Manager Benny Tardino and Junior OL Julian Rodriguez on the show to give is some insight into how special it is to be part of such an amazing program. Division 2A State Final- 11:30am Saturday at Saddleback College Rio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)