Carson Edges Mary Star in 45-42 Thriller
Carson and Mary Star both conclude their regular season campaigns with identical 9-1 records after a high-scoring Friday matchup.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
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Carson secured a 45-42 victory over Mary Star in a high-stakes high school football game that saw both teams finish the regular season at 9-1. The win positions Carson as the expected No. 1 seed for the upcoming L.A. City Section Open Division playoffs.
Why it matters
The game served as a crucial tune-up for Carson, which strategically scheduled the matchup to maintain competitive momentum and avoid a Week 10 bye before the start of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Mary Star now turns its attention to the CIF-Southern Section, awaiting the announcement of its postseason placement.
Carson quarterback Chris Fields III led the offense with three touchdown passes and two rushing scores, while Mary Star counterpart Ian Ditch matched him with four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Monico Flores-Segovia added to the Carson tally by converting a 44-yard field goal.
The players
Chris Fields III
He is a quarterback for the Carson high school football team.
Ian Ditch
He is the quarterback for the Mary Star high school football team.
Monico Flores-Segovia
He serves as the kicker for the Carson high school football team.
Nick Sandoval
He is a player for the Carson high school football team who caught a 36-yard touchdown pass.
The details
Carson maintained control throughout much of the contest, leading by 14 points on two separate occasions before holding off a late Mary Star rally. The offensive showcase featured multiple highlight plays, including a 36-yard touchdown connection between Fields and Nick Sandoval.
Timeline
Friday, October 30, 2026: Carson and Mary Star played their final regular season game.
Sunday, November 1, 2026: The CIF-Southern Section will announce playoff pairings.
Season Trajectory
The result reinforces the high standing of both programs as they prepare to transition into postseason competition. This outcome shifts the momentum for Carson as they look to secure the top seed, while Mary Star moves toward the CIF-Southern Section bracket.
Carson is now projected to secure the No. 1 seed for the L.A. City Section Open Division playoffs following their 9-1 finish. Mary Star concludes its regular season play and will rely on the upcoming CIF-Southern Section selection process to determine its next opponent.
The takeaway
Maintaining competitive focus by avoiding a late-season bye week can be a strategic advantage for teams entering tournament play. Both Carson and Mary Star enter the postseason with strong 9-1 records, signaling high-caliber preparation for their respective playoff brackets.
What happens next
The CIF-Southern Section will announce official playoff pairings on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more local matchups and updates, visit the Football section.
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