Oaks Christian Stuns Newbury Park 14-6 Behind Dominant Defensive Performance
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Oaks Christian delivered one of its most significant victories of the 2026 high school football season Friday night, defeating Newbury Park 14-6 in a hard-fought Marmonte League matchup at Oaks Christian School.
Entering the game with just one victory on the season, the Lions faced a Newbury Park team riding a six-game winning streak and competing for the Marmonte League championship.
But behind an outstanding defensive performance and two touchdown passes from quarterback Cody Bird, Oaks Christian pulled off the upset and kept its postseason hopes alive.
The matchup opened as a defensive battle, with neither team finding the end zone during the first half.
Oaks Christian’s defensive front consistently disrupted Newbury Park’s offense, applying pressure on the Panthers’ quarterbacks and preventing them from establishing an offensive rhythm.
The Lions finally broke the scoreless tie early in the third quarter.
Following a muffed kickoff recovered by Drew Rolison, Oaks Christian capitalized on the turnover with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Bird to Xavier Burkett, giving the Lions a 7-0 advantage.
The touchdown provided a crucial breakthrough in a game where offensive opportunities had been limited.
Newbury Park responded early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Brodie Scheinberg connected with Tyler Stromsoe for a nine-yard touchdown, bringing the Panthers within one point.
However, Oaks Christian’s special teams delivered one of the defining moments of the night.
The Lions blocked Newbury Park’s extra-point attempt, preserving their 7-6 lead and preventing the visitors from tying the game.
With momentum hanging in the balance, Oaks Christian’s offense answered.
Bird connected with wide receiver Aidan Crecion on a 21-yard touchdown pass, extending the Lions’ advantage to 14-6 and forcing Newbury Park to chase a touchdown and two-point conversion.
The Panthers continued searching for an opportunity to respond, but Oaks Christian’s defense refused to surrender its lead.
Defensive lineman Alifeleti Tuihalamaka emerged as one of the game’s most influential players, recording two sacks and four quarterback hurries.
His performance highlighted an exceptional effort from the Lions’ defensive front, which finished the night with five sacks and 11 quarterback hurries.
The relentless pressure made it difficult for Newbury Park to develop consistent passing opportunities and played a decisive role in protecting Oaks Christian’s fourth-quarter advantage.
Bird finished with 116 passing yards and two touchdowns, while running back M. Watson contributed 83 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Crecion also provided a key offensive contribution, finishing with five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Although Oaks Christian’s offense did not produce a high-scoring performance, the Lions capitalized on critical opportunities and avoided allowing Newbury Park to regain control.
The victory was particularly meaningful for a team that had endured a challenging regular season.
Oaks Christian entered the matchup with a 1-7 overall record, while Newbury Park arrived at 6-2 after winning six consecutive games.
Despite the difference in records, the Lions demonstrated that their defensive talent and physicality could compete with one of the Marmonte League’s strongest teams.
The result improved Oaks Christian to 2-7 overall and 2-2 in league play, keeping the Lions in contention for a potential postseason opportunity.
For Newbury Park, the defeat dropped the Panthers to 6-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play, creating a three-way tie atop the Marmonte League standings with Pacifica and St. Bonaventure.
The Panthers will look to rebound against St. Bonaventure in their regular-season finale, a matchup that could determine the league championship.
Oaks Christian, meanwhile, will host Bishop Diego on October 30 as the Lions attempt to finish the regular season with consecutive victories.
For head coach Rudy Carlton and his team, Friday night’s performance represented a significant achievement during a difficult season.
Facing a conference contender with a powerful offense, the Lions relied on defensive pressure, timely execution and resilience to secure a memorable home victory.
The final score may have been just 14-6, but for Oaks Christian, the win carried much greater significance.
It was a statement that the Lions were not finished fighting.
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