YUBA CITY, Calif. — High school football rivalries rarely need extra incentive, but when the Yuba City Honkers hit the road to cross town and take on the River Valley Falcons, the stakes are self-evident. At stake is the Mayor’s Cup—a long-standing local tradition steeped in community pride, bragging rights, and intense gridiron action.

The Honkers enter the matchup with the hardware firmly in their possession, having retained the coveted Mayor’s Cup trophy for over seven straight years. Coach Jonah Lessard has his unit playing high-tempo, disciplined football, and Yuba City arrives hungry to keep that trophy wrapped in brown and gold for another season.

Game Information
Matchup: Yuba City Honkers (2-1) vs. River Valley Falcons (1-2)
Kickoff Times: Junior Varsity at 5:00 PM | Varsity at 7:30 PM
Location: River Valley High School Stadium

The Storylines

Honkers Eyeing Response: Yuba City comes into the week sitting at 2-1 following a heartbreaking 10-9 defeat. Known for their resilience under Coach Lessard, the Honkers are primed to bounce back and set an aggressive tone early on Friday night.

Falcons Building Momentum: River Valley enters at 1-2, but they carry fresh confidence into the crosstown clash after picking up a victory over Woodland last week. Riding that boost, the Falcons will be hunting for an upset on their home turf.

Key Honkers to Watch
Judah Allen (QB): Senior quarterback Judah Allen commands the offensive execution. Look for Allen to dictate tempo, distribute cleanly, and capitalize whenever defenses crowd the box.

Cody Haase (ATH/RB/DB): A true two-way weapon, Haase is set to be a key factor on both offense and defense. Whether taking carries out of the backfield or flying to the ball on defense, his physical play will set the bar for Yuba City.

Dante Lepe & Juju Brown (WRs): Wideouts Dante Lepe and Juju Brown give the Honkers a lethal perimeter attack capable of exploding for big chunk plays down the field.

Battle in the Trenches
While the skill position players generate the highlights, this game will ultimately be decided up front. The Honkers' offensive and defensive lines have provided the physical backbone for Yuba City’s success all season—grinding out tough yards in victories and keeping games tight under pressure.

If the Honkers' front five can establish leverage, open running lanes, and control the line of scrimmage, Yuba City will control the clock and keep River Valley on its heels all evening.

A Family Event & The "Brown Mob" Effect

More than just a football game, the Mayor’s Cup remains a premier community event for Yuba City sports fans, offering a competitive, family-friendly environment for sports fans of all ages.

The visitor's side promises to be loud: the Brown Mob student section will be out in force, bringing non-stop noise and energy to back the team through four quarters. With physical play up front and explosive playmakers outside, Coach Lessard's Honkers look fully prepared to protect their winning streak and bring the Mayor’s Cup back home.