The Mustangs stepped into the spotlight on Friday, September 19th, as KCAL News visited Yorba Linda High School. The station featured the varsity football team and showcased the spirit of YLHS’s ASB, Song, Cheer, Dance Co., Band, and Color Guard. After gaining higher and higher rankings each year, Yorba Linda’s football team is now recognized among the top programs in Southern California, ranked top 25, and Los Angeles media was eager to capture the story behind this team’s rise to success.
In preparation for the big game against Tustin, the football team reflected on the challenge at stake that night. Varsity athlete Thomas Knutson (12) explained the conflict ahead, reflecting his and the rest of the team’s mindset. “There are lots of guys going D1. The key is to play together as a team, stay disciplined, and create turnovers on defense.”
This visit from KCAL9 was even more than just about game-day strategy. For the students, staff, and Yorba Linda community, it was a showcase of how far the program has come, and the pride comes along with it. All throughout the week, the anticipation heightened around campus, as news of the broadcasting station was impossible to miss. Mustang pride was on display in every hallway, even beyond the Friday night lights.
For KCAL9 sports reporter Chris Hayre, covering the Mustangs was such a rewarding experience. He announced that “Seeing how happy everybody was, it brought me back to my days in high school, with everyone embracing the experience. It’s special to be able to showcase this moment to all of Los Angeles.” Hayre’s perspective of this experience reflected the joy of capturing the school community for a wider audience.
The cheer and song team, as always, is crucial to the energy of Mustang football, and KCAL’s cameras highlighted their teamwork as well. Junior Varsity cheerleader, Sofia DeGuzman (10) emphasized her favorite part about cheering for her school and KCAL9’s method of showcasing this: “I enjoy supporting all of my team members, doing it with my closest friends, and showing off the work we have put in. KCAL9 showed how spirited our school is and how pumped up we get for football season.”
Parents and alumni were equally energized by the coverage, as it was a milestone for the program that has been building each year. Years of dedication, from all of the team’s early morning practices to late-night film sessions, were brought to light through the cameras. It was a reminder that football is all about character and the community that it inspires. Under the Friday night lights, and now on television screens across Los Angeles, the YLHS Mustangs continue to build and improve their worthwhile journey.
Regina Rodriguez • Oct 23, 2025 at 7:54 AM
What a cool opportunity for YLHS. I loved seeing this highlight on the mustangs!
Isabelle Gregg • Oct 23, 2025 at 7:51 AM
I loved your perspective on this shaping event on our campus! As a member of ASB who attended the broadcast and was involved, it was so exciting to read about this event, and hear directly from Chris Hayre. Such a cool moment for YLHS!