In a showdown that lived up to every ounce of rivalry-fueled expectation, the Torrey Pines Varsity Falcons battled La Costa Canyon in the opening round of the CIF San Diego Section playoffs—and left everything on the field. A back-and-forth defensive war ended in heartbreak, as the Falcons fell 7–8 in overtime.

The game was a chess match from the first whistle, with both teams trading goals and the lead changing hands five times. Torrey Pines’ defense held strong against a relentless Mavs attack, and when the dust settled at the end of regulation, the score was deadlocked at 7–7.

Overtime was a tension-filled affair. The Falcons lost the initial draw, but their composure never wavered. They regained possession and looked to mount the game-winning drive, only to be met by an aggressive LCC double-team as the ball carrier re-entered play. The trap forced a turnover near the Falcon goal, and in a flurry of bodies and sticks, the ball was scooped up by an LCC attacker who fired the golden goal before anyone could blink. Game over.

It was a tough end to a hard-fought campaign, but the Falcons walked off the field with heads high and spirits intact. They congratulated their longtime rivals with grace, showing the true mark of sportsmanship and character.

All that remains now are the upcoming team banquets, where Varsity and JV players and families will gather one final time to celebrate the journey—every goal, every ground ball, every moment that made this season unforgettable.

Though the playoff run ends here, the heart of a Falcon never stops soaring.