Valley Christian High Defeated St. Anthony High 47-22
The San Jose team secured a dominant win as the community rallied to support an injured teammate.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Football
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Valley Christian High School improved its season record to 3-1-1 following a 47-22 victory over St. Anthony High School. The win followed a week of mourning for teammate Oliver Boateng, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Why it matters
The game served as an emotional focal point for the team after Oliver Boateng suffered broken bones and lower extremity injuries earlier in the week. Coaches and players sought to honor their teammate on the field while managing the physical demands of a high school season.
Quarterback Graham Lunzer completed 21 of 27 passes for 192 yards and six touchdowns, while Sam Melcher contributed eight receptions for 114 yards and three touchdowns. Lunzer also added 37 rushing yards during the contest.
The players
Oliver Boateng
He is a football player for Valley Christian High School who was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Graham Lunzer
He is the quarterback for Valley Christian High School who has recorded 980 passing yards this season.
Sam Melcher
He is a standout receiver for Valley Christian High School who recorded three touchdowns in the recent victory.
Valley Christian High School
This is a secondary educational institution in San Jose known for its competitive football program.
The details
The scoring began with a 17-yard pass from Graham Lunzer to Liam Sweeney, setting the tone for a high-scoring offensive performance. To show solidarity, the Valley Christian players wore green wristbands and socks in honor of Oliver Boateng.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: Oliver Boateng suffered serious injuries.
September 18, 2026: Valley Christian coaches and players visited Boateng at the hospital.
September 19, 2026: Valley Christian High defeated St. Anthony High.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Valley Christian High in a competitive position as they move past the mid-point of their 2026 campaign. The team must now maintain focus as they prepare for a homecoming matchup against Capistrano Valley Christian High following an upcoming bye week.
Quarterback Graham Lunzer now holds 79 of 118 passing attempts for 980 total yards this season. The victory stabilizes the team's standing at 3-1-1 as they move toward the homecoming game against Capistrano Valley Christian High.
The takeaway
Maintaining performance during times of personal crisis remains a significant challenge for student-athletes. The team's use of symbolic gestures highlights the role of support networks in sustaining collective morale during an intense competitive season.
What happens next
Valley Christian High School is scheduled to play Capistrano Valley Christian High School in a homecoming game following a bye week.
Further reading
For more news regarding local prep sports, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cerritos Community News.
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