Fall Sports Preview
A new school year has begun, and with it comes new opportunities for OCS athletics. Oaks Christian School had a tremendous year last year when it came to athletics, and the Lions are looking to improve upon last year with continued success.
During the fall season, Oaks Christian has eight sports competing: boys’ water polo, boys’ beach volleyball, cross country, football, cheerleading, girls’ tennis, girls’ golf and girls’ volleyball. Last year, the girls’ golf and girls’ volleyball teams each won the Marmonte League, and the girls’ volleyball team, boys’ water polo and football teams both made it all the way to the CIF-Southern Section championship games. For all schedules, please click here.
Football
The football team had a record of 7-4 in the 2022 season, culminating with a berth into the CIF-SS Division 3 playoffs. The Lions bring back a large majority of starters from last year’s squad, including 2022 Marmonte League Wide Receiver of the Year Justice Williams, and now-sophomore running back phenom Deshonne Redeaux.
The Lions got their season started with a 55-28 victory over Chaminade and a 30-14 loss to Sierra Canyon. The first Marmonte League game will be played against Calabasas on Sept. 29.
In the preseason, the VC Star predicted the Lions to finish second in the league, as did the LA Daily News.
Girls’ Volleyball
The girls’ volleyball team finished last year with a 28-5 record that included a runner-up finish in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs. Within those 24 wins was a 17-game win streak. The Lions graduated just three seniors and look to use their young core of players to make another deep run in the CIF playoffs. The Lions started the year ranked 18th in the state by MaxPreps.
Boys’ Water Polo
The boys’ water polo team finished last year as Marmonte League champions with a berth into the highly contested CIF-SS Open Division, which comprises of the top eight teams in the Southern Section. The team went undefeated in League matchups. Water polo starts their season on the road against Foothill Tech on Aug. 31.
Girls’ Golf
The girls’ golf team finished last year as Marmonte League Champions. The team brings back a majority of starters from last year and look to make it even further in CIF-SS playoffs.
Cross Country
The girls’ cross-country team finished second in the Marmonte League last year and finished second in the State. The boys finished third in league and 10th in the State. They start their season on Sept. 7 at the first Marmonte League meet.
The states top runner in Division 4, Payton Godsey, returns for her senior season looking to repeat in winning the Division, State and National Championships.
Girls’ Tennis
Last year, the girls’ tennis team finished the year with a 3-10 record and a 2-8 record in league play. The first match of the year is on Aug. 30 against Oak Park.
Boys’ Beach Volleyball
The newest sport to Oaks Christian, the boys’ beach volleyball season started Saturday, Aug. 21 in the first Marmonte League Tournament. The team is coached by Oaks Christian Director of Medical Services, Dr. Bryan Wong. This is the second year that the CIF-SS is sponsoring boys’ beach volleyball, after adding girls’ beach volleyball last year.
Middle School
The Oaks Christian Middle School continues to harbor success for the younger members of the school, including success in athletics. Last year, the middle school girls’ tennis team earned the Delphic League championship. The middle school sponsors the following sports in the fall: cross country, football, girls’ golf, girls’ tennis, girls’ volleyball and boys’ water polo.
To keep up with all things Oaks Christian athletics, make sure to follow the teams on Instagram @OaksChristianLions and on Twitter @OaksChrstnLions.