A Charge To Keep

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

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 CollegeRio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)

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 CollegeRio Hondo Prep (15-0) vs Sonora (14-0)

The Rio Hondo Prep Kares are making their 4th Regional appearance in school history. Their first time was back in 2012 and that also happened to be against Santa Fe Christian down in San Diego. The Eagles defeated one of Rio's greatest ever teams that night 13 years ago. We have two great guests to get us ready for the anticipated rematch. Scott Wideman was the Quarterback of the 1977 CIF Champs and shares plenty of memories from Rio Hondo over the years on the gridiron. We are also joined by Robert Morales who started a documentary about RHP Football back in 2012 and is currently collecting content to complete a film that is sure to continue the never ending story of the most special football program in Southern California.

Rio Hondo Prep won their third consecutive CIF-SS Title and 17th overall with an impressive 29-7 road victory over Redondo Union. The Kares not only won the Division 5 Bracket which was their highest ever level of play, but they defeated every opponent in a convincing fashion that continues to leave the skeptics scratching their heads for answers. The RHP Faithful was out in full force on Saturday night and the greatest alumni fanbase in the SGV couldn't be more proud to be a Kare during this historic run. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the huge night for his football program and how they continue to proudly carry the torch of playing the Rio way. We also have Senior TE/LB Rainn Pollock and Junior WR/LB Aiden Delgadillo on for the player portion of the podcast.Rio Hondo Prep (14-0) will travel to San Diego County and take on Santa Fe Christian (13-0) at Carlsbad High School for the CIF Division 2-A Regional this Saturday at 6:00pm.

Rio Hondo Prep is playing in its 24th CIF Southern Section Championship Game this Saturday night at Redondo Union High School. The Kares are chasing their 17th Title in school history and will be taking on a very talented Seahawk team that might be the 16th seed in the Division 5 bracket but are hands down the toughest team RHP has ever faced in the Playoffs. We have two great guests this Thanksgiving that are sure to get you hungry for more in the South Bay this weekend. Torrance Head Coach Ray Carter faced Redondo Union twice this season and will break down why they are such a challenging opponent. Additionally, we have 1977 CIF Champion Craig Clingman on the show to take us back to the early days of Rio Hondo Prep Football.HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Rio Hondo Prep Kares solidified themselves as a premier program in the San Gabriel Valley with a 35-6 victory over La Serna in the Division 5 Semifinals. The Kares played with nearly flawless execution on both sides of the ball at West Covina HS on Friday night and delivered another eye opening statement win for fans across Southern California. Rio Hondo advanced to their 24th Southern Section Final in school history and will be pursuing their 17th Title. Head Coach Mark Carson talks about the big win and how RHP Football has officially made a name for itself. We are also joined by Senior RB/DE Nathaniel Shine and Junior QB/DB Isaac Guzman who share their excitement to be part of another magical playoff run by Rio Hondo Prep.

The San Gabriel Valley has seen its fair share of incredible matchups during the Postseason over the years, but nothing can quite compare to what we will see at Covina District Field on Friday night as the La Serna Lancers (9-3) take on the Rio Hondo Prep Kares (12-0) in the CIF-SS Division 5 Semifinals. Many have wanted to see these two juggernauts square off after their recent successful runs and they will do so this week with a third straight trip to the Finals on the line for both programs. Schurr Head Coach Austin Montoya returns to the show to help us break down the big SGV showdown as his Spartans faced off against both teams the first two weeks of the season. Additionally, Azusa Pacific University Head Coach AJ Parnell stops by in the 2nd half to talk about bringing back APU Cougar Football after a six year hiatus and how he will build back their Christ centered tradition on the Gridiron.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 12-0 with a dominating shutout win over the Troy Warriors in the Division 5 Quarterfinals. Throughout a steady downpour of rain at Arroyo High School in El Monte, the Kares came out on fire and never looked back. Noah Penunuri ran wild early and often while scoring all 4 Touchdowns for Rio. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the huge 28-0 win for his program and shares his excitement for a 3rd consecutive trip to the Semifinals. We are also joined by Senior OL/DL Elijah Gavia and Senior WR/DB Jace Frary who each reflect on just how special the experience has been playing football at Rio Hondo Prep. The Kares host La Serna next Friday in what is arguably the biggest game in San Gabriel Valley history.

Rio Hondo Prep (11-0) will host the Troy Warriors (10-1) in the Quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 5 Playoffs. The game will be played at Arroyo High School in El Monte and heavy rain is expected to fall. The Kares have one of the best rushing attacks in Southern California, but their 2nd Round opponent loves to run the football as well. Whoever can make a stand and stop the run best in this trench warfare type of fight will advance to the Semifinals. Tony Moskal is our guest this week. He has spent most of his career in teaching and coaching but has become one of the most inciteful broadcasters in high school football. Moskal is the Color Analyst for the Game of the Week across the Spectrum Sport Networks and pulls no punches when it comes to breaking down the poetry in motion that we hold so dear under those Friday Night Lights.

Rio Hondo Prep trailed by two scores early on against the Thousand Oaks Lancers in the 1st Round of the Division 5 Playoffs. However, the Kares played with passion and poise to complete an impressive come from behind victory by outscoring the home team 43-13 the remainder of the contest. Rio Hondo played relentless on defense and with superb execution on offense for a 50-34 win at the highest level they've ever competed in for the Postseason. Head Coach Mark Carson makes his weekly appearance to recap the historic comeback for his program. We are also joined by Junior RB/LB Christian Lee and Junior WR/DB Elias Har who each scored Touchdowns in Rio's big opening statement.

Rio Hondo Prep will make history on Friday night as they take the field in the highest division they've ever participated in for the CIF Southern Section Playoffs. The 16 time Champions will be competing in Division 5 this November as they try to defend their back to back Titles from 2023 in D9 and 2024 in D7. The Kares will travel to Thousand Oaks and take on the 8-2 Lancers who are full of college bound athletes. After countless uphill battles in the Postseason the past two years, Rio Hondo is poised for another challenge of a lifetime. Our featured guest is Aram Tolegian who has been covering High School Football for over 20 years and knows the teams in the San Gabriel Valley better than anyone. We discuss Rio's steady ascent into being one of the elites in the SGV and the perception from those who aren't affiliated with the program. Additionally, Senior London Sayegh makes a quick special appearance on the show after she recently modeled a book report in Literature class as a satire of the Charge To Keep podcast. The 2025 Kares have accepted their dangerous mission for the Division 5 Playoffs. As they figuratively take off from their aircraft carrier this Friday night, we wish them Godspeed.

Rio Hondo Prep (10-0) was officially placed in Division 5 of the Southern Section Playoffs and will travel to Thousand Oaks (8-2) in the 1st Round this Friday night. The Kares have the longest road trip in their Bracket but are no strangers to traveling to big away games in the Postseason. The Road Warriors and their loyal fans wouldn't have it any other way. Head Coach Mark Carson reacts to the release of the matchups in real time and shares his team's excitement for another memorable opportunity. We are also joined by Seniors Diego Raygoza and Brayden Vinton on what playing for RHP has meant to them during this incredible journey the past few seasons.

In the regular season finale this Thursday night, Rio Hondo Prep will defend their undefeated record and their home turf against the 6-3 Santee Falcons from the CIF LA City Section. The Senior Class will be honored in a very special pregame ceremony that will acknowledge one of the most iconic 4 year runs in the history of the program. Be sure to get to Kare Park a little early this week to pay tribute to the Class of 2026 and partake in the In N Out Burger Cookout Truck which will be on hand. Our guest this week is 2006 Rio grad Bill Baumgartner who was an elusive Running Back on RHP's first 11 Man CIF Championship in 2005. It has been 20 years since that unforgettable moment, and we have continued to see just how far Rio Hondo Football has grown while carrying on the proud tradition of those who came before them.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 9-0 and won their second consecutive Gold Coast League Title with a resounding victory over the Brentwood Eagles at Sofi Stadium on Saturday night. The Kares brought their A-game to Inglewood and were impressive under the bright lights of the best stadium in the NFL. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the unbelievable experience for his team and the community that loves them. Senior RB/LB Noah Penunuri also stops by after he officially became the new all time leading rusher for RHP by surpassing Rio legend Landon Goodwell. Penunuri is as humble as they come and continues to show why he is the ultimate example of what it means to be a Kare.

Rio Hondo Prep has embraced many challenges over the years and in doing so has created countless memories along the way. Although they played in Northern California last year and Texas this season, the Kares will be under the brightest lights in Tinseltown when they take on their rivals the Brentwood Eagles in Sofi Stadium this Saturday night at 4:30pm. The winner will be awarded as an automatic qualifier into the 2025 Postseason and be able to walk away from the 8th Wonder of the World as Gold Coast League Champions. Our special guest this week is Brentwood Head Coach Jake Ford. He has been with the Eagles for over a decade and has recently found the formula to neutralize RHP in their annual matchup. The conversation with Coach Ford will have you ready to root for both teams in what has become one of the best rivalries in Southern California. Join us in Inglewood this Saturday for a historical moment that both of these programs can cherish forever.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 8-0 after a 41-10 victory over the Viewpoint Patriots in Week 8. The Kares looked fresh after their Bye Week but did have some uncharacteristic hiccups along the way. Noah Penunuri scored twice and gained more ground toward two big Rio records. Nathaniel Shine had two powerful Touchdown runs and two Sacks on Defense. Calogero Chico took an Interception 67 yards to the House. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps all the action from Friday night in Simi Valley and offers more insight into the RHP Football Program. As a special treat, we have the Harrington brothers on for the Player Portion of the Podcast. Both Nick and Dorian Harrington have developed greatly as football players and are enjoying every opportunity set before them.

After a well earned Bye Week, Rio Hondo Prep takes their 7-0 record to Simi Valley High School this Friday night as they take on the 7-0 Viewpoint Patriots. The Gold Coast League opener features two undefeated teams that are on a collision course where someone's perfect record will fall in Week 8. Our guest this week is LA City Firefighter Isaac Holguin who won 2 Football Championships at RHP in 2011 and 2012 as well as the school's first ever Boys Basketball Title in 2013. His brother Jake is a United States Marine and the Holguin family has continued to be great supporters of Rio Hondo. Isaac was also a proud member of the Interagency Hotshot Crew for the US Forest Service where he fought large wildfires from 2018-2024.

Rio Hondo Prep will leave the great State of Texas with a 7-0 record after defeating defending back to back State Champion First Baptist Academy 49-28. Noah Penunuri ran wild for 261 yards and 5 Touchdowns while the Kares rushed for 465 yards as a team. Rio Hondo Prep represented themselves well on the field under the Friday Night Lights of the Lone Star State, but it was the overwhelming support from fans, families, and alumni that were in attendance in Dallas that really showed the exceptionalism of California's most unique program. On the player portion of the podcast we will be joined by Senior OL Jacob Gomez and Senior DB Adrian Mendoza who each made huge contributions on Friday. Head Coach Mark Carson also makes his weekly appearance to recap his team's unprecedented trip across the country in yet another new chapter of Rio Hondo Prep Football.

Rio Hondo Prep (6-0) has never traveled out of state to play a football game. In Week 6 the Kares will be under the Friday Night Lights of Dallas, Texas to take on First Baptist Academy (4-1) in front of their Homecoming crowd. The Saints are defending back to back State Champions in Division 4 of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS). Our special guest this week is FBA Head Coach Jason Lovvorn who couldn't be more excited to host the 16 time CIF Southern Section Champions from California. Both schools are two of the smallest enrollments out there that play Championship level 11 man football and have more in common than both fan bases may realize. It's the Golden State vs the Lone Star State this Friday night in an unprecedented matchup of small school football programs that accomplish big things on and off the field.

Rio Hondo Prep defeated St Anthony 52-17 on Homecoming and improved to 6-0. The Kares seem to be playing their best football as the weather changes while they make the transition into another chapter of the promising season. There is no telling what this team can accomplish if they continue their consistent climb to greatness. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps another memorable night at Kare Park and discusses the upcoming road trip to take on First Baptist Academy in Dallas next week. We are also joined by Homecoming Queen Janna Taflinger and Senior Kicker Easton Jara to wrap up the final week of September.

It's time for Homecoming at Rio Hondo Prep as the Kares host the St Anthony Saints from Long Beach in Week 5. Although both teams have had very different seasons so far, you can toss out the records and expect a competitive contest under the brightest of lights this Friday night. Our guest this week is 1991 Rio alum David Joe who was a fierce Linebacker for the 1990 CIF Champions. He has been a huge supporter of RHP Football over the years and is a very close friend of Head Coach Mark Carson. Joe takes us down memory lane for some unique stories and shares how playing football at Rio Hondo set him up for his very successful career path.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 5-0 with an intense and physical 36-7 win over Bellflower High School at Ron Yary Stadium. The Kares led 36-0 at Halftime and came away without any additional injuries at the midpoint of the Regular Season. Despite some early energy from the host Buccaneers, Rio took control of the game early and really delivered a true statement win on the road. Head Coach Mark Carson breaks down all the action from Friday night and sheds light on why RHP Football continues to be played with specific expectations. Seniors Blaize Torrez and David Reyes also make an appearance on the show to discuss their experience with the program.

Rio Hondo Prep is 4-0 and will officially be at the halfway point of the regular season after traveling to Bellflower High School this Friday night. The host Buccaneers are 3-0 and would like nothing better than to avenge last season's blowout loss to the Kares. Our guest is 1982 CIF Champion Scot Moore who was one of Rio Hondo's greatest Running Backs in its illustrious history. Mr Moore was a longtime Leader for the Atlantic Pirates of Kare Youth League where he coached countless future RHP football players. His son KJ was a CIF Champ as well on the 2008 and 2011 teams. Mr Moore's father-in-law Mike Dowd was Rio's first ever football coach, and his wife Lori Moore has been the Principal at Pearl Prep for many years where most of our current team's players spent their elementary school days before moving on to Rio Hondo Prep.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to a 4-0 record with a 49-20 win over the Marquez Gladiators. Head Coach Mark Carson was back on the sidelines this week, and the Kares seemed to have really found their rhythm offensively. We will hear from HCMC for his weekly recap of the game and his excitement for the steady progress of his team. Senior WR/DB Tyler Dang checks in on the pod after scoring 3 Touchdowns for Rio last night. Additionally, Junior OL/LB Troy Seto makes an appearance to talk about how fun it is to play football at RHP.

Rio Hondo Prep will host the Marquez Gladiators on Friday night at Kare Park where both teams will bring 3-0 records into Week 2. The Gladiators have blown out all of their opponents and are averaging 46 points per game. Marquez travels well and you can count on a good showing from their pep squads in Irwindale. Rio Hondo fans have a tailgate planned for 4:00pm so it should be a great environment for high school football. Our guest this week is 2008 CIF Champion Tim Esquerra. He was a smooth Running Back for Rio, and he now runs Esquerra Chiropractic in Pasadena. Esquerra also works with NFL players during their off-season in Hollywood to recover and prepare their bodies for the grueling challenges in Professional Football.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 3-0 with a dominating 43-0 win over Maranatha on the road. The Kares played inspired football due the absence of their fearless leader Head Coach Mark Carson who was dealing with an unexpected medical issue. Not only did Rio play a complete 4 quarter game, but they did so with contributions from a wide range of players. Today we are blessed to have Coach Carson on for his weekly appearance as he shares the challenging 72 hours that he and his family experienced. Additionally, we are joined by Senior RB Deven Gomez and Senior LB Ethan Lo who continue to make the most of every opportunity in front of them playing football for Rio Hondo.

Rio Hondo Prep makes their first road trip of the season on a short week to face the Maranatha Minutemen on Thursday night. Both teams are 2-0 much like last year's matchup and each have their own contrasting styles. The Minutemen have one of the area's top quarterbacks that could potentially be a major problem for the Kares if they cannot get to him to disrupt his rhythm. Rio needs to find some consistency on offense and force some turnovers on defense for them to be successful against a very talented opponent. Our guest this week is 2005 CIF Champion Kurt Coulter who was a fierce warrior on the gridiron and one of the best to ever suit up for Rio Hondo. Coulter shares some incredible memories from his playing days and explains the great work he is doing today helping those in Recovery of substance abuse.

Rio Hondo Prep improved to 2-0 after a 28-21 victory over the Quartz Hill Royals. The Kares trailed in the 4th Quarter and had to put together two decisive drives to retake the lead on both of their final possessions of the game. Head Coach Mark Carson shares his excitement for the fact that his team is responding to adversity in the best way possible. HCMC is confident the team will continue to grow going forward. Our player portion of the podcast features Senior Quarterback Yanick Diaz who is a Team Captain with the determination to lead Rio Hondo into unprecedented heights.

Quartz Hill makes the long trip from Lancaster to Irwindale this Friday night to take on Rio Hondo Prep. The Royals might be coming off a tough loss in their opener last week, but this program has seen plenty of great success in recent years with Southern Section Championships in 2017 and 2021. Our guest this week is Jake Lyons who graduated from RHP in 2020. Jake played a part on one of Rio's biggest ever Offensive Lines and competed in some memorable Playoff Games during his career. Lyons has recently moved to Hawaii to continue his education in college and even though life on the Island could be considered Paradise, you can bet his heart will be back on the Mainland under those Friday Night Lights.

In the opening game of the 2025 Season, the Rio Hondo Prep Kares answered major adversity with a resounding response. After trailing the Schurr Spartans for most of the 1st Half and without their best player, RHP flipped a switch that led to suffocating defense pressure and 3 explosive Touchdowns on offense. The Kares took the game over in the 2nd Half and came away with a 20-9 victory. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the hard fought win and how his team pushed forward despite some early setbacks. Senior RB/DB Calogero Chico checks in as well after leading Rio with 118 yards rushing on 9 carries and 1 Touchdown.

The long wait is officially over. It is game week for the Rio Hondo Prep Kares as they host the Schurr Spartans in what many could argue is the most anticipated Opener since Rio took on Arcadia back in 2012. Our very special guest, Tarek Fattal, will help us kickoff the 2025 Season with a bang. You can find Tarek on CBS alongside Jim Hill on Sundays as Fattal shares his thoughts on high school sports across the Southland. Additionally, Tarek Fattal writes for Sports Illustrated and has been covering high school athletics for a decade. He and I have a long discussion about the noise Rio Hondo Prep has made the past few seasons as well as where they stand among other successful programs. Tarek Fattal has also started a YouTube show every Monday night dedicated to the best high school football coverage in Southern California. You will be ready to run through a brick wall after this episode, but we will settle for you coming out to Kare Park in Irwindale as the Spartans and Kares go at it with the utmost respect for one another and a pride in their schools that could hold its own amongst the best in the area.

We are just one week away from kicking off the 2025 Football Season. As we close out our Senior Sons episodes, the parents of Yanick Diaz and Tyler Dang take us across the finish line. Both of their sons are Team Captains this year and have made massive contributions to both Championship runs in 2023 and 2024. Diaz and Dang have hit on plenty of big plays in the passing game over the years as a Quarterback and Wide Receiver duo. Their connection through the air and their leadership on the field should put Rio Hondo Prep in a great position to do something historic once again in their Last Dance.

As the boys are back on the practice field, we hear from another couple of moms and dads from our Senior Families. Today we have the parents of Easton Jara and Jacob Gomez to discuss what the past 3 years at Rio Hondo Prep have meant to their families. Both young men arrived at RHP under very different circumstances, and it goes to show you just how special the Rio recipe can be with a wide range of ingredients. Gomez has been plagued by season ending injuries the past two years, and he couldn't be more hungry to finish things off in the strongest way possible. While Jara is a dedicated Soccer player who will end up competing at the next level in College, he is embracing the opportunity to contribute to Rio Hondo Football and might end up making a bigger impact than he or his family could have ever imagined.

In another edition of our Senior Sons episodes, we are joined by the parents of Elijah Gavia and Jace Frary. Both families share the importance of how Rio Hondo Prep has helped in the development of their young men and how the program sets itself apart from anything else out there because of everything it offers. Elijah Gavia has been the big man in the trenches for his whole career at RHP and has been a force to be reckoned with for the Kares. Jace Frary might just be one of Rio's tallest players on the field which will certainly come into play on both sides of the football in this season.

In the latest edition of the Senior Sons episodes during our Summer podcasts, we are joined by the parents of Calogero Chico and Diego Raygoza. Both of these young men have been with the program for the last 3 years and are poised to get their name on a 3rd Banner in the Stivers Center down on campus. Chico has been one of Rio's best pound for pound players all around and is a gritty tackler. Raygoza has worked hard in the trenches on both sides of the ball and has some real opportunities to step up big this coming season. You will once again see that when it comes to football players at Rio Hondo Prep, their families are the ones who embrace the endless possibilities and also love seeing their sons pushed to be the absolute best they can be.

As we continue our Senior Sons episodes, we are joined by the parents of Rainn Pollock and Nathaniel Shine. Both of these Seniors have played Varsity since they were Freshmen, and their families have plenty of fond memories to reflect on over the past three seasons. Rainn and Nathaniel have made several huge plays on Defense over the years but don't be surprised if they put up some numbers on Offense in the final chapter of their playing career at Rio Hondo Prep. Rainn Pollock and Nathaniel Shine each have big smiles than can light up a room, but their intensity on a football field is no laughing matter. When it comes down to it, both young men know how to step up in a big way when the lights shine brightest.

As we begin a string of episodes with the families of our new batch of Seniors, the proud parents of David Reyes and Noah Penunuri get things started. Both families reside in the city of Glendora and I am proud to call them neighbors. We reflect on the past two incredible football seasons and how excited they are as their sons begin one final chapter of their playing careers at Rio Hondo Prep. When you look at the respect and humility that our players carry at all times, look no further than the parents that raised them.

The boys are back in town from their 4 week Tour of Europe. The Rio Football Team traveled all over the Continent as their journey took them to England, Germany, Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps "The Trip," as it is known among the RHP Family, and takes us behind the scenes of a month that is not comparable to another experience any teenager around the country will take part in with his teammates. The spiritual growth, historical knowledge, mature responsibility, and brotherhood bond learned on these Trips are just some of the reasons that set Rio Hondo Prep apart from all the rest. Welcome Home Boys.

Rio Hondo Prep opens the 2025 Season with a highly anticipated showdown against the Schurr Spartans from Montebello on August 22nd. This is arguably the biggest matchup of all the Week 0 games in the San Gabriel Valley. Austin Montoya is the new Head Coach at Schurr HS after serving as an Assistant the past few seasons. His first game will be against the back to back CIF-SS Champion RHP Kares and he couldn't be more excited for the early challenge. Coach Montoya discusses the history of his program and why they wanted to get this game on the schedule. In exactly 7 weeks, the Spartans and the Kares will meet between the lines for what many expect to be a huge opening test for both schools.

There were roughly a dozen players on last year's championship team that got their start playing football under the coaching of Mr Don Mosher who has dedicated his life in service to Kare Youth League. Mr Mosher is as humble as they come and today we honor him as our very special guest to celebrate the 4th of July. Don was drafted in 1969 and served a tour in Vietnam as a Sergeant and Squad Leader. Although he will say he was just doing his duty and following God's plan, his brave effort and dependable leadership make him a shining example of the countless veterans we owe a debt of honor to that can never be repaid. Please join me once again this year in reflecting, remembering, and respecting all of those who have helped pave the way for our Freedom.Happy Independence Day

You can find Jeff Fairley on the Rio Hondo Prep sideline every football season. He intently observes the action and patiently stands at the ready in case his services are needed. Dr Fairley specializes in Physical Therapy and is one of the highly qualified members of the RHP Medical Team. As a 1992 Rio grad himself, he knows just how committed the Kares are to fighting for their team. We discuss why Rio Hondo football is special, the road to recovery for athletes, and how his path has led him exactly where he was meant to be. Dr Fairley works with patients at The Body Center in Claremont and teaches future Physical Therapists at Western University in Pomona.

Doug Walsh has been the official Team Doctor for Rio Hondo Prep Football for countless decades. As a Rio alum himself, he understands just how important the program is and why it continues to be so special. Dr Walsh was a key contributor for the 1977 CIF Champions who defeated Montclair Prep in the legendary Triple Overtime thriller. He talks about his days playing along some memorable teammates and what propelled him to become a Physician. Dr Walsh also discusses his 4 year stint as a Missionary in Kenya as well as the challenges that go into tough decisions for treating our student athletes.

Jason McMains has been the Head Coach at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside the past 4 seasons. In the 2nd Round of the 2024 CIF-SS Playoffs, his football team squared off against Rio Hondo Prep. Coach McMains was not sure what to expect that night. He had heard of RHP before, but like most teams out there, you need to battle them between the lines to truly understand their program. Coach McMains recaps that playoff game from last November while offering his insight from the perspective of a recent Rio opponent. He discusses the respect he has for Coach Carson and how impressive it is the way the Kares go about their business.

As we kickoff the fourth season of the Charge To Keep podcast, there are countless blessings to reflect on. The 16 time Southern Section Champions are coming off back to back titles and a loss in the State Final by 1 yard. The one question to be asked of the Rio Program is: Are You Satisfied? Head Coach Mark Carson helps us kickstart another season of Rio Hondo Football with some insight into the summer schedule and the expectations moving forward this fall. In somewhat of a surprise ending to today's show, we reveal some special messages to Coach Carson from family members, former players, and current coaches as he celebrates his 50th birthday this weekend.

Rio Hondo Prep will take on University High School from Irvine in the CIF Southern Section Finals this Friday morning at 10:00am. Although RHP is the designated home team, the Trojans will feel right at home with the game being played at Deanna Manning Stadium just 3 miles from their campus. The Kares reached the Championship Game only one previous time 46 years ago back in 1979. The 2025 squad could potentially make history and hang a new type of banner in the very crowded rafters of the Stivers Center back in Arcadia. Our special guests today are Juniors Janna Taflinger and Madison Burl who both possess the energy, enthusiasm, and humility that embodies the true meaning of what it is to be a Kare. It is up to the faithful fans and passionate alumni of Rio to get out to support these young women early on Friday morning as they represent the proud tradition that is Rio Hondo Prep.

For the first time in 45 years, Rio Hondo Prep is back in the CIF Softball Semifinals. Rio's best finish ever was as a Runner Up back in 1979 as well as a return trip to the Semis in 1980. After three big wins this postseason, the 2025 Kares are among the final four teams standing in the Division 6 Southern Section Playoffs. Rio Hondo is coming off a dramatic 12-11 win over Katella in the Quarterfinals that displayed just how gritty this team truly is. Joining us today are Ryen Covey and Allie Scott who are Team Captains that have demonstrated tremendous leadership all throughout the season. They are poised to continue this magical postseason run and give the RHP Faithful something amazing to cheer for. Rio Hondo Prep travels to Adelanto High School this Saturday at 3:15pm to determine who will advance to the Finals.

The Rio Hondo Prep Girls Basketball Program is ready for its Postseason appearance after another successful year on the hardwood. The Kares are a young group consisting of only Juniors and Freshmen. Rio is led by Tara Riley who has been a standout in all RHP Athletics for the past 3 years. Tara is our guest today to tell us a little bit about herself as well as shed light on the Rio Hondo experience. In other big news, the Rio Boys Soccer Team has been selected to the CIF-SS Playoffs for the first time in school history. Be sure to get out to these big games this week and support our incredible student athletes!Wednesday- 3:00pm Boys Soccer vs Loma Linda Academy (Kare Park)Thursday- 7:00pm Girls Basketball vs El Rancho High School (Away)

The California Division 3A State Championship was an Instant Classic and came down to the final play in Overtime to settle the score. Vanden from Fairfield defeated Rio Hondo Prep 42-41 after the Kares were stopped at the 1 yard line on their 2 Point Conversion attempt. The game featured countless lead changes and was full of drama. Vanden threw the ball all over the field while Rio Hondo ran wild inside and outside. Both contrasting styles of offense scored 35 points in regulation were the only teams out of the 15 State Matchups this weekend that went to OT. Head Coach Mark Carson joins us for one final time to recap a truly heroic effort from his team that unfortunately ended in heartbreak. It's difficult to say goodbye at the end of a season, but we will do our best to thank countless people as we wrap up the third season of the Charge To Keep podcast. Thanks to all of Rio Hondo Prep past, present, and future for always being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Merry Christmas to all and may you continue to Dream On……

Rio Hondo Prep has won 16 Southern Section Titles throughout its illustrious history. On Saturday night at Long Beach City College, the 2024 Kares (13-1) will compete for a chance to capture its first ever State Championship and will do so against the Vanden Vikings (12-2) who are making the long trip down from Northern California. Both teams are riding 8 game winning streaks and are polar opposites on the Offensive side of the ball. The Vikings love to throw it; the Kares love to run it. These two very different styles will collide on Saturday at Veterans Stadium for a 7:00pm Kickoff to see whose brand of ball can shine brightest in the Golden State. Getting us ready for RHP playing on their biggest stage ever is our guest Casey Clevenger. He played in Rio's first ever Southern Section Final back in 1972 and has been a Teacher there for countless decades while keeping a close eye on the football program he loves dearly.

Rio Hondo Prep overcame some significant adversity early on in Saturday night's Division 3A Regional down in San Diego. The Kares were tied with the host Poway Titans 7-7 at Halftime and eventually pulled away for a 28-14 gritty victory to advance to the school's first State Championship Game in their illustrious history. Rio Hondo is one of only thirty teams in California that get to play football next week out of nearly 1,300 schools in the Golden State. Head Coach Mark Carson recaps the emotional win and how his team continues to answer the bell with every challenge set before them. We also have Junior DB Calogero Chico on the show who made a few huge plays for a Rio defense that continued their rough and tough performance throughout this memorable Postseason.