Cade Mault Leads Santa Barbara Past Westlake
Santa Barbara High secured a narrow 13-10 victory over Westlake thanks to a standout performance from Cade Mault.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Football
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Santa Barbara High defeated Westlake 13-10 on October 23, 2026. Cade Mault accounted for every point scored by the Dons during the game.
Why it matters
Mault's versatility as both a receiver and a placekicker proved decisive in a tightly contested match where every scoring opportunity was essential.
Cade Mault recorded an 85-yard touchdown reception, a 49-yard field goal, a 43-yard field goal, and an extra point to account for all 13 points. He remains perfect on the season with four field goals made and has not missed a PAT.
The players
Cade Mault
He is a student-athlete at Santa Barbara High who taught himself how to kick and punt.
Santa Barbara High
It is a public high school located in Santa Barbara.
Westlake
This is a high school football team that competed against Santa Barbara High.
The details
Mault fueled the win with his scoring efforts and also secured a critical first down on a fake punt. He balances his athletic training, which includes soccer practice four times a week, with a 3.9 grade-point average.
Timeline
The football game occurred on October 23, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win keeps Santa Barbara in contention for higher seeding ahead of the 2026 California high school football regional championships. The performance highlights the team's reliance on specialized playmakers as they attempt to solidify their position within the division standings.
Mault's perfect field goal record provides the team with a reliable scoring option for future tight games. His ability to execute on fake punts introduces a new tactical consideration for opposing defenses when planning against the Dons.
The takeaway
Mault demonstrates how self-taught skills and rigorous time management can result in a significant impact on high school athletics. His success serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining academic focus while pursuing competitive excellence.
Further reading
Stay updated on local games by visiting the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Times.
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